Healthy relationships have been proven to boost our happiness, health, and stress levels. According to studies, those who have healthy relationships are happier and have less stress. Even though each relationship is unique, some basic techniques exist to keep relationships healthy. These tips apply to all types of relationships, including friendships, professional and family relationships, as well as romantic, schizophrenic, and narcissistic relationships. Continue reading to find out more.
What Constitutes a Healthy Relationship?
Every relationship is distinct, and people come together for a variety of reasons. Sharing a clear aim for exactly what you want the relationship to be and where you want it to go is part of what characterizes a healthy relationship. And you’ll only know that if you chat truly and honestly with your lover.
However, there are several qualities shared by the majority of healthy relationships. Knowing these fundamental concepts can help keep your relationship interesting, engaging, and exciting regardless of the goals or obstacles you face together.
Tips on How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship
#1. Keep your expectations in check.
No one person can be everything we desire them to be. Accepting people as they are and not attempting to alter them is essential for healthy relationships.
#2. Communicate with one another.
It cannot be overstated how important communication is in maintaining healthy relationships.
- Take your time. Be present in person.
- Listen intently. Don’t interrupt or think about what you’re going to say next. Make an effort to comprehend their point of view thoroughly.
- Ask questions. Demonstrate your enthusiasm. Inquire about their experiences, feelings, opinions, and hobbies.
- Share information. According to research, sharing knowledge aids in the establishment of new relationships. Allow people to know who you are, but don’t overwhelm them with personal information too fast.
#3. Be adaptable.
It is natural to be concerned about changes. Change and progress are possible in healthy relationships.
#4. Take care of yourself as well.
Healthy relationships are mutual in nature, having room for both parties needs.
#5. Be trustworthy.
If you establish plans with someone, stick to them. If you accept responsibility, be sure you finish it. Healthy relationships are reliable.
#6. Fight fairly in the relationship.
The majority of relationships have some level of conflict. It simply indicates that you disagree on anything; it does not imply that you dislike one other.
- Before you speak, take a deep breath. The chat will be more beneficial if you have it after your emotions have calmed down a little so you don’t say something you’ll later regret.
- Make use of “I statement.” Share your feelings and desires without assigning blame or reasons. For example, “When you don’t call me, I start to think you don’t care about me” vs. “You never call me when you’re away.” I suppose I’m the only one who is concerned about this relationship.”
- Keep your wording simple and to the point. Avoid criticism and judgment, and try to express the behaviour that has truthfully irritated you. Attack the problem, not the individual.
- Concentrate on the current topic. If you bring up everything that upsets you, the conversation will likely become stale. Avoid using “always” and “never,” and focus on one topic at a time.
- Accept responsibility for your errors. If you have done something wrong, apologize; it will go a long way toward making things right.
- Recognize that certain problems are difficult to fix. Not all disagreements or challenges can be settled. You are unique individuals, and your views, opinions, habits, and personality may not always be in sync. Communication can help you understand each other and handle difficulties, but certain things are firmly ingrained and may not alter considerably. It is critical to determine for yourself what you are willing to accept and when a relationship is no longer good for you.
Read Also: HOW NOT TO BE CODEPENDENT In a Relationship: Easy Peasy Steps to Follow
#7. Be affirmative.
Happy couples, according to relationship expert John Gottman, have a ratio of five positive interactions or feelings for every one negative interaction or experience. Warmth and affection should be expressed!
#8. Maintain a sense of balance in your life and relationship.
Other people contribute to our happiness, but they cannot meet all of our needs. Find something that interests you and become involved. Outside activities are permitted in healthy relationships.
#9. It is a Process.
Although it may appear like everyone on campus is confident and connected, most people are concerned about fitting in and getting along with others. Meeting and getting to know new individuals takes time. Healthy relationships may be learned and practised and can improve over time.
#10. Be yourself!
Being real is much easier and more enjoyable than pretending to be something or someone else. Real individuals form healthy relationships.
How to Be in a Narcissistic Relationship
Narcissistic relationships develop when one or both partners have a narcissistic disposition. The Mayo Clinic defines Narcissistic Personality Disease (NPD) as “a mental disorder in which people have an inflated feeling of their own significance and a great desire for admiration.” Those suffering from narcissistic personality disorder believe they are superior to others in their relationship and show no regard for the sentiments of others. But behind this confident façade is frail self-esteem that is vulnerable to the least criticism.”
How to Recognize a Narcissistic Relationship
The following are some common characteristics of a narcissistic relationship partner: (It should be noted that the extent to which these features reveal themselves varies greatly depending on the individual.)
- Possession of a sense of entitlement or superiority
- Lack of Empathy
- Controlling or manipulative behavior
- A strong desire for adoration
- Concentrate on meeting one’s own demands while ignoring the needs of others.
- Higher aggression levels
- Difficulty accepting feedback on their conduct
Related: NARCISSISTIC ABUSE:7+ Signs Of Narcissistic Abuse(+ How To Recover
What are some strategies for dealing with a narcissistic partner in a relationship?
If you find yourself in a narcissistic relationship, you can first identify what you’ve done and consider the underlying factors that drove you to choose such a partner. Did you grow up with a self-centred parent? Are you more at ease with your partner being in charge, allowing you to be more passive? Do you feel more valuable because you are associated with someone who is in the spotlight? Do their critiques and superior attitudes create a poor image of you that resonates with your own critical views about yourself? Many people who fall in love with narcissists struggle with codependency. They will put up with some abuse because they lack confidence in themselves to set limits or stand on their own.
It is critical to understand your function in a narcissistic relationship. You can then begin to push yourself to change your portion of the equation. As a result, your partner will be challenged to change their way of relating.
How to Be in a Relationship with a Schizophrenic Person
Current clinical standards define schizophrenia as a psychotic disorder characterized by a combination of the symptoms listed below:
- Delusions (distorted but persistent ideas about reality)
- Hallucinations (sensory perceptions of things that aren’t real)
- Disorganization (patterns of thought, speech, and behavior that fail to make logical sense).
- Catatonia (lack of volitional movement, resulting in things like keeping a single position for a long time of time or repeatedly mimicking the behavior of others)
- Negative symptoms (diminishment of active mental functions, such as enjoyment, motivation, volition, speech, and emotional response)
Other types of psychosis can also cause difficulties in perceiving and understanding reality. However, these psychotic symptoms tend to be extremely long and severe in schizophrenia, and they can occur without being triggered by things like high emotional states, substance abuse or severe depression
We naturally wish to assist a loved one who is ill. Many people say they are unsure how to best assist a schizophrenic loved one in their relationship. Here are some tips:
#1. Learn more about the illness
You don’t have to be an expert on schizophrenia to grasp what’s going on, although studying more can assist. There are many myths concerning schizophrenic people, so it’s a good idea to find some reliable information if you want to keep the relationship smooth.
#2. Listen
Talking about problems or worries can be really beneficial at times. It is critical to recognize that discussing sensitive topics, such as your loved one’s experiences with schizophrenia, can be extremely difficult for them—and that the symptoms of schizophrenia can also make talks difficult. If your schizophrenic partner in a relationship opens up to you, listen attentively, that is, without distractions such as your phone or television.
Pay close attention to what they say. Allow them enough time to complete their thoughts, even if it takes a little longer than normal. Listen empathically and without judgment. Even if you don’t understand the problem or see it in a different light, your primary concern is the anguish or tough feelings your loved one is experiencing. That’s fine! Respect your loved one’s limits and wait for them to inform you when they’re ready to speak.
#3. Empathy, not arguments, should be used.
Even when people are receiving treatment and following their treatment plan, symptoms of schizophrenia-like hallucinations (sensations that aren’t real, such as hearing voices) or delusions (beliefs that can’t be true, such as believing you are being followed by a spy) might take some time to go away. These extremely distressing symptoms are referred to together as psychosis.
Many people find it difficult to respond to a loved one’s hallucinations or delusions. It’s preferable to avoid debating these events. Know that with proper treatment and assistance, symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions become much simpler to manage and lose their significance.
#4. Inquire about how you can assist.
A schizophrenic person may wish to make plans for what they will do if they become ill again, especially if they have dependent children or are in a relationship with someone they truly love. These plans, known as advanced directives or Ulysses Agreements, are made when a person is in good health and are intended to express a person’s intentions to loved ones and their care team. Inquire with your loved ones whether they have a plan in place so you know what they require if they require assistance.
#5. Please don’t take it personally.
Schizophrenia may be a challenging illness for everyone. During psychotic episodes, your loved one may have scary sensations that you are unable to comprehend. They might act in ways you don’t comprehend. Other symptoms of schizophrenia might make it difficult for people to express themselves, communicate coherently, or appear engaged in others. It is critical to understand that these are signs of disease. They are not anyone’s fault, yet they can be difficult to deal with. Consider joining a family and friends support group for your personal help.
#6. Take care of yourself as well.
It is critical to take care of oneself as a family member. Maintain your usual routines and activities, such as exercise and hobbies. In the early stages of your loved one’s illness, ask another family member or close friend to assist with caregiving. Check out the BC Schizophrenia Society’s Family Respite Program if you need help balancing time for self-care with caregiving chores.
#7. Keep your social network active.
Maintain your friendships or your social network as much as possible. As your loved one recovers, these will become crucial supports. Inform them about your loved one’s recuperation and keep them updated. People are sometimes afraid to ask questions regarding schizophrenia, so this will help them feel more at ease.
#8. Encourage your loved ones to stick to their treatment and recovery schedule.
This is extremely crucial! You are not responsible for your loved one’s therapy (unless they are your child under the age of 19), but you can provide support. Schizophrenia can make it difficult for people to schedule and attend appointments, as well as adhere to treatment regimens. With your loved one’s consent, you may choose to assist by reminding them of appointments, accompanying them to appointments, or doing whatever else is appropriate in your scenario. If your loved one is unhappy with their therapy or would like to try a different method, you can encourage them to speak with their care teams, such as their doctor or mental health team. It can be harmful to discontinue or alter treatment without the support of a clinician.
#9. Take action if you believe you or a loved one is in danger.
If you believe a loved one is at risk of killing themselves or others and they refuse help, the Mental Health Act allows you to have them evaluated by a psychiatrist. This process, which may involve police and other first responders, can be tough and stressful for everyone involved. However, this may be a necessary action if someone is in danger.
If a loved one expresses a desire to terminate their life, you must act. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) at any time or send a message online between noon and 1 AM at www.crisiscentrechat.ca. If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, dial 911 or go to a hospital emergency department.
Can Schizophrenia Occur in a Narcissistic Personality?
Comorbidity is the term used to describe people diagnosed with multiple mental health disorders at the same time. In theory, a person with schizophrenia could also have narcissistic personality disorder.
According to research, this is not common. A 2016 study discovered that while around 24% of patients with schizophrenia had comorbid personality disorders, only 0.37% to 1.75% fit the criteria for NPD. It is considerably more common to have schizophrenia coexist with conditions such as schizotypal personality disorder or paranoid personality disorder. These mental illnesses often share characteristics with schizophrenia, such as delusional or illogical thought patterns.
What Not to Say to Someone with Schizophrenia
- Avoid dismissing them.
- Never tell a loved one that their symptoms are “not true,” “not real,” “imaginary,” or “all in their head.”
- Try to be nonjudgmental.
- Don’t press them to talk.
- Avoid arguing with their opinions.
- Steer clear of accusations.
What Makes a Man Happy?
To make your boyfriend emotionally happy, you must pay attention to his needs and know when to give him space. To make your boyfriend sexually satisfied, you must be willing to try new things and be daring and adventurous. But the most important thing is that you’re having fun while pleasing your man.
Is Flirting Cheating?
Cheating, according to most individuals, is any conduct in which you demonstrate romantic desire, either emotionally or physically. Flirting generally counts as cheating because it goes beyond innocent banter and might lead to other amorous behaviours or partnerships.
What Is the Most Romantic Word?
In a pre-Day Valentine’s poll of language specialists, “Amour,” the French word for love, was declared the most romantic word in the world.
