How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship in a Fast-Paced World

Romantic relationships are becoming remarkably difficult to balance as the demands for love in modern times are also changing. A fraction of what defines “healthy relationships” is common goals, mutual understanding, honest communication, emotional intimacy, and personal space. Maintaining a relationship balance prevents couples from potential burnout, which may occur when love becomes too much to bear.

After all, we are only humans. Too much love can be overwhelming, especially when the partner expects the same amount in return. Now, I am not saying love is an “ugly” emotion or feeling. But, if you let your life revolve around love alone, it can take your relationship in a negative direction.

There is no bookish knowledge on how to maintain a healthy relationship. The rules vary from person to person, from relationship to relationship. But one common thing every individual wants from relationships is 'peace.' And to attain that peace, here are some healthy relationship tips from dating experts you can follow.

What are the 5 A's of a healthy relationship?

One common way to improve your relationship with your significant other is to set an intention to give and receive 5 A's: Attention, Acception, Appreciation, Affection, and Allowing. This concept is taken from the book How To Be An Adult in Relationships - Five Keys to Mindful Loving by psychotherapist David Richo, PhD.

Gleemeet A visual representation of the "5 A's"—Attention, Acceptance, Appreciation, Affection, and Allowing—highlighting the key elements of mindful loving. Inspired by David Richo's book How to Be an Adult in Relationships, the image symbolizes the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

It is believed that if we do not receive a sufficient amount of the above A's, we can experience anxiety, loneliness, depression, and shame. This is why no one of us should be deprived of these qualities. To establish a meaningful and genuine connection with your partner in a relationship, set an intention to give and receive these dimensions.

These ingredients will also drive positive relationship maintenance for a healthier bond and everlasting love. Here are some A-Z's of the 5 A's and how you can implement them in your relationship:

Attention - Engage with your partner. Pay attention to what they say, and ask for. Do not give them a sense of neglect or avoidance.

Acceptance - Accept your partner's flaws and do not call out their imperfections. We are not born perfect, and it is completely okay. You can help them grow out of it, but never give them a feeling of humiliation.

Appreciation - When your partner does something good, give them words of affirmation. Remind them that you are happy to have them in your life. Remember that little things can mean so much.

Affection - Nobody wants to feel deprived of appreciation and admiration in a relationship. Remember that this is the least you can do for your partner. Make them feel loved. Little gestures like hugs, kisses, and I love yous can display affection.

Allowing - Most people think they own their partner. While you do own them, you shouldn't control or cage your loved ones. Allow them to be themselves. Molding them into who YOU want them to be can take an emotional toll on them.

Importance of honest communication & emotional intimacy

Gleemeet Two people engage in a playful conversation using a makeshift string-and-can telephone, smiling as they communicate. The image symbolizes the importance of fun and creativity in maintaining effective communication within a relationship.

Trust is the building block of a healthy relationship. When your partner questions something or communicates with you, they expect you to speak your heart out. This allows both parties to learn and acknowledge each other on an emotional level. Sharing vulnerabilities, secrets, thoughts, plans, and goals helps you build emotional intimacy with your partner.

It's not always easy to talk about our true needs. We are not all born “extroverts,” and insecurities often stop us from letting our hearts speak. But, a person will never know of something you do not speak. Healthy communication is the key to relationship maintenance.

Every relationship goes through its rollercoaster moments, but it's always communication that helps the conflict settle.

Healthy boundary for individual growth

Your partner is not your property. While you love them, a limited obsession is okay. However, being extremely possessive and controlling can hinder your partner's personal growth. This will take your relationship towards the South. Your partner will have a difficult time being their true selves with you.

So what should you do?

Support your partner with their goals with words of affirmation and encouragement.

If you do not like something they did, instead of being angry, communicate with them about it.

Give them personal space to be productive, do not expect their attention 24/7. They have lives to lead too.

Remember that they are human too. Do not push them beyond their limits.

Talk about your needs & stop with the guessing game

Gleemeet A couple stands across from each other, engaging in a heartfelt conversation. Their expressions show attentiveness and understanding, symbolizing the importance of openly communicating needs in a relationship rather than resorting to silent treatment.

Life is already tough; you do not need to make it tougher by playing a mystery. Many couples, after being in a relationship for months, expect their significant other to automatically know what goes on in their minds. Your partner does know you; there's no doubt about it. However, expressing your needs directly is considered much healthier. It prevents confusion and unnecessary stress.

You also need to remember that people change over time. What may have been important to you a month ago, may not be what you want right now. Also, your partner has a life to stress about, so sometimes he may not guess it right. This will definitely make you sad. But, can you blame them for it? Of course not! Partners are not supposed to be magicians. They cannot connect the dots of everything; they are humans, too.

Activities to maintain a healthy relationship balance

If you want to improve your online or in-person relationship, you can keep track of certain activities. With the help of these activities, you can aim for relationship maintenance and create a healthy balance.

Write a journal for a week and note down all the moments you experienced together

Next, categorize them as 'positive' and 'negative' experience

At the end of the week, review your journal to check the ratio

For every negative experience, implement at least 2 positive experience

Review the journal again next week to check if you have attained the magic ratio yet

Remember that falling in love is easy, and anyone claims to be in love. But not everyone is ready to put in the effort to make that love work out.

Maintaining a healthy relationship improves your life by making it stress-free. To keep your bond healthy and valuable, you must prioritize your partner's feelings and emotions. You may think love is not for you if your relationship falls apart, but know that love is for everyone.

Take Away

In short, while the world is full of the hustle and bustle of a demanding life, maintaining a healthy relationship is not so difficult. It requires both partners to agree on giving and receiving the same amount of effort. Remember, proper communication and healthy boundaries are key to a healthy relationship, especially if you are dating online and it is a long-distance relationship. You need to have mutual understanding and provide personal space to let yourselves flourish individually.

If you are looking for a partner, try Gleemeet.com today, your soon-to-be might only be a text away.