20 Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship - How Does Your Relationship Measure Up?

• 1. Each person in the relationship has a separate identity--each can give and receive without losing separateness.

• 2. Each is able to talk openly about matters of significance.

• 3. Each assumes personal responsibility for his or her level of happiness and doesn't blame the other for unhappiness.

• 4. The couple are able to play together.

• 5. The couple are able to fight constructively.

• 6. Each makes some attempt to keep romance in the relationship.

• 7. Each considers the other an equal.

• 8. Each actively demonstrates concern for the other.

• 9. Each person is growing, changing, and open to new experiences.

• 10. Each person is able to find meaning outside of the relationship.

• 11. Each avoids manipulating the other.

• 12. Each recognizes the need for solitude and space.

• 13. Each avoids assuming an attitude of ownership toward the other.

• 14. Each shows flexibility in role behavior.

• 15. Neither expects the other to do for them what they are able to do for themselves. 16. Each discloses inner feelings and thoughts to the other.

• 17. Each allows the other a sense of privacy.

• 18. Each has a desire to give to the other.

• 19. Each encourages the other to become all he or she is capable of becoming. 

• 20. Each has a commitment to the other.

Source: Corey, G. & Gorey, M.S. (1990). I Never Knew I Had a Choice​ (4th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole.