Both therapists agree that trust is very important. Trust can mean a variety of things. For instance, you have confidence in them and their feelings for you; you know they will be there for you; and you know they're being real and honest. And of course, they should have the same level of trust in you, too.
It's not just an Aretha Franklin song. Both therapists cited mutual respect as another hallmark of a healthy relationship—meaning there is admiration and value on both sides.
O'Neill says collaboration is key, meaning "partners feel a sense of equality within the relationship." You're both working together to make it better and make sure both of your needs are being met.
"In healthy relationships, individuals tend to feel a sense of comfort when they are with a person, and when they aren't with them, they tend to think of them or look forward to the next time that they might be with them,
This one is kind of a given, but it's another trait that DiLeonardo considers healthy. While newer relationships might not have the love aspect down just yet, there should be some attraction and like there.
First, healthy communication means making communication a priority," O'Neill says. "Second, healthy communication means using opportunities for face-to-face communication instead of via text or via call.
This includes your sexual needs. "I think the idea of collaboration really fits here," O'Neill explains. "A healthy sex life is one in which both partners feel like their needs are being met. It means the partners feel comfortable asking for what they want within the sexual relationship,
It's important to make sure you still keep your individuality. "Having and maintaining your own sense of self absolutely contributes to a stronger relationship," DiLeonardo says.
This is related to trust but is especially important in newer relationships. "Feeling confident about whether this person is interested in you is an important part of a new relationship," DiLeonardo says.
This one's another important sign for newer relationships, which makes a lot of sense but is sometimes hard to do. When we're with someone new, there's a lot of pressure to impress and give them the best version of yourself,