The 5 Unconventional Signs You’re In A Healthy (And Happy) Relationship
In its basic form, most people would agree that a healthy relationship between two lovers involves trust, loyalty, selflessness, affection, sympathy, admiration, love and other positive qualities.
You do things that you know will make the other person happy. You’re able to hang out with your friends without your partner getting jealous. Your partner is genuinely interested in how your friends and family are doing. The list of positivity and happiness goes on.
Upon meeting a couple that is so elated with each other, it’s hard not to wonder about their secret. There are so many couples that experience so much distrust and drama that it’s refreshing to observe people who are genuinely happy.
While you may observe how couples like this treat each other when they are out in public, what goes on behind closed doors is where the real magic happens. Face it: When you find someone with whom you are so comfortable, your quirks and weirdness manifest.
Here are five unconventional signs you’re in a healthy relationship:
1. You’ve developed bizarre nicknames or even your own language.
This isn’t just your typical boo, babe or baby; I’m talking about code words or special terms for certain things. You barely say your partner’s real name because it is usurped by some other creative nickname.
Having a language only you two understand brings you closer and strengthens your bond. It makes the other person feel special and unique, too.
2. There is communication from the bathroom.
Okay, so this is a touchy subject. Some would argue you never mix romance with bathroom bodily functions because it ruins the mystery. The bathroom is a safe, yet vulnerable place.
Some ladies still have some guys convinced that women just don't go #2. I’m not saying your partner needs a front-row seat while the action is happening, but if you are able to ask for toilet paper when you suddenly realize you are out, it takes courage.
To let your lover see that side of you requires some real vulnerability. It’s no secret that for some, bathroom time is “me” time — time to check your Instagram, read your emails and play some Candy Crush.
If you are able to text each other and have a conversation while one of you is on the can, you have let some major walls down, my friend.
3. You’re generous when it comes to all things involving food.
Along with air, water, clothing and shelter, food is essential to human existence. If it were a survival of the fittest situation, you would not share food with just anyone.
Your needs to survive would come first, which is why if your partner lets you have the last bite of a meal, you have a real keeper. That is a selfless act right there.
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but I think any woman who has had a period knows that if you bring her chocolate or what she’s craving, the same sentiment holds true. If you enjoy cooking for each other, that also demonstrates true affection.
4. You watch each other's shows.
Accepting someone means accepting all of him or her. This means not only accepting his or her love for watching sh*tty reality TV shows, but also choosing to watch them, too.
It is a real act of love and sacrifice if your guy will sit through a "Real Housewives" marathon with you or if you are able to watch endless hours of "Sports Center" and football with him.
You're both in because it’s a good time — regardless of what’s on television — if you’re together. It’s not just compromise; it’s purposefully choosing to engage in an activity in which you wouldn't otherwise partake because it makes your partner happy.
5. You dress down.
When you’re in a healthy relationship, there is less pressure to constantly impress the other person in a superficial way. Sure, you should dress up for each other occasionally to keep things interesting, but doing it constantly would be exhausting.
Like Drake says, “Sweatpants, hair tied, chilling with no makeup on — that's when you're the prettiest, I hope that you don't take it wrong.”
If your lover makes you feel this way, it’s because he or she values who you are as a person, not just how you look. When you feel so secure that you can hang around the house together in sweats, it’s true love.
Even if none of the above characteristic apply to your relationship, remember, “A healthy relationship is one where two independent people just make a deal that they will help make the other person the best version of themselves.”
