Frequently Asked Questions: How to have a healthy relationship

Bad Experiences – A Reason to Stay Single?

In Profemina counseling, both women and men often share that they long for a stable, loving relationship.
But sometimes, past experiences create fear or become internal barriers.
Whether shaped by childhood experiences or painful adult relationships, many people have seen what happens when relationships fall apart.
Even when hope and longing are still present, fears and doubts may rise up: What if I can’t make it work? What if I never find the right person?

It’s understandable to wonder: Is a good, lasting relationship even possible? Why am I still single?

And yet—choosing to stay out of relationships because you fear failure, or letting go of your dream of having children because you doubt your ability to handle the responsibility, can also mean missing out on something precious.
Missing out on chances: to begin something new, to grow and mature, to contribute something good to the world.
So yes—it’s worth following your longing, even if it requires strength and perseverance.

Parents: How Their Relationship Shapes Us

As an adult, you might look back at your parents’ relationship with a bit of distance.
Maybe they were a good example—and even now, their advice continues to support you.
But maybe there are also memories that still burden you, or perhaps you witnessed a relationship that was anything but healthy.

If that’s the case, it may help to reflect on how much those past experiences still affect you.
What still needs healing? Where might it be time to make peace?
And what could you now begin to replace with new, healthier thoughts and life-giving experiences?

Be confident that—despite everything you’ve been through and how you were shaped—you are your own person, with the chance to start fresh and choose differently each day.

Tip: Don’t focus only on the painful experiences—remember the good ones, too.
What are you grateful for? What were some moments of light, even in the past?
What have you learned from previous relationships, and in what ways have certain experiences shaped you or helped you grow?

Your Partner – A Good or Bad Example? Growing and Learning Together

In a relationship, both partners bring their strengths, weaknesses, and past experiences—things that can encourage mutual growth and learning.
Your partner can be an inspiring role model, but also a mirror that helps you understand yourself better. Sometimes you only become aware of your own behavior when you see it reflected in the other person.
But you don’t have to have everything figured out or be perfect. In a healthy relationship, both people grow together and learn from one another.

Patience and grace play a vital role. It’s completely okay to make mistakes—those are often the best opportunities to learn and deepen your connection.
Talking openly with your partner about your thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences can also help them understand and support you better.

Learning together also means finding compromises and discovering what works for both of you. It’s a process of growing closer, encouraging one another, and becoming stronger as a couple.
In a strong relationship, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about sharing the journey and building something meaningful together.

But if you’re unsure whether your partner is truly good for you—whether they support you and live the relationship in a way that aligns with your needs—feel free to explore this:

Is He the Right One?

Role Models in Love

Can you think of a couple you admire? Their loving way with each other, their closeness in joyful times, and their unity during crises?

What about their relationship inspires you?
What qualities or values from their life do you want to bring more into your own?

These role models in love and life might be people close to you—perhaps adults who gave you important life lessons as a child. Or they might be public figures whose words or actions touched you and gave you strength and hope.

Whether you’re still looking for a partner or already in a relationship, such examples can help you understand your own desires and needs.
Maybe you’ll realise that you long for something different—and that there’s still room to grow, either for yourself or together.

In the next section, you’ll read about a tip that has brought greater depth to many relationships—and that may also help in finding the right partner. :)

Become a Role Model Yourself

Your actions and attitudes influence others—sometimes without you even noticing it.
Even small gestures, like a kind word or a listening ear, can make a difference.

What values matter most to you—in yourself and in others?

How do you want your partner, your family, your neighbors, friends, or even your children to see you?
What kind of impact do you want to leave in their lives?
Is there something—no matter how small—you can do to make the world a little better?

It’s in your hands: by being a positive role model, you can inspire others and leave a meaningful mark on your relationships.
Start with yourself—with small steps that can have a big effect.

We wish you all the best! đź’š

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    Do's and Don’ts in a Relationship

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Author and Sources

Author

Yvonne Onusseit,
Educator

Reviewed by:

Team of Psychologists

Sources

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