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What do healthy boundaries in love relationships look like?

Dr H Smith. July 2018

· Mind,Life Skills,Relationships

Let’s paint the perfect picture of a love relationship with healthy boundaries:

1. Both partners feel safe and secure. When it comes to your relationship, you have the confidence that things are going well and you can depend on each other. In other words, you’ve got their back and they have yours.

2. When you go out together, others can tell you’re a couple. Loving looks, respectful words, and paying attention to each other is enough to demonstrate you’re together and you love each other. You’re in a protective cocoon of love and it shows.

3. It’s okay to ask questions, and no one gets defensive. When you have a healthy relationship, you can inquire about anything without worrying your partner will be angry or that you’ll get snapped at.

4. You allow each other time with friends and loved ones. While your spouse hangs out with her sisters or goes shopping, you go fishing or work on a project. There’s no reason to be controlling or suspicious when you’re maintaining healthy boundaries within and outside of your love relationship.

5. Keep your own feelings, thoughts, and choices separate. Although there are times when you agree with your partner, there may be times you feel and think differently. And that’s okay. Recognize that two separate individuals have two separate minds and sets of feelings.

6. Avoid making comments your partner could deem as upsetting. If you’re watching a movie and you see your favorite actor whom you find extremely sexy and attractive, it’s unnecessary to expound on your feelings aloud to your partner.

• When you take steps to preserve your partner’s sense of self and confidence in the relationship, your life will be happier.

A healthy love relationship is largely comprised of healthy boundaries. Apply these suggestions in your own relationship and you’ll be amazed at the freedoms you’ll feel. Maintaining a healthy independence by each partner is integral to a close, loving relationship.

“Every healthy marriage is composed of

walls and windows. The windows are the aspects

of your relationship that are open to the world—

that is, the necessary gaps through which you

interact with family and friends; the walls are

the barriers of trust behind which you guard

the most intimate secrets of your marriage.”

~ Elizabeth Gilbert

This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy.This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.

This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.