6 Healthy Relationship Beliefs That Most People Assume Are Toxic

A typical “how to make your relationship work” article tends to offer cliché advice like “always communicate your feelings” and “never go to bed holding a grudge.” But there are plenty of difficult issues that need to be discussed as well. Arguments will happen. Feelings will be hurt. Dissatisfaction and jealousy will rear their ugly heads. These behaviors might not necessarily fit our traditional idea of what makes for a loving relationship, and some might even argue that these are signs of dysfunction. But once you acknowledge these 6 uncomfortable truths about your relationship, it might allow you to grow stronger.

1. Some arguments are best left unresolved

The biggest myth about healthy relationships is that every disagreement must be resolved to both parties’ satisfaction. In reality, some of the most successful marriages involve couples that have persistent, unresolved issues that they’ve been bickering about for decades. When couples insist that they must agree with each other on every issue, it leads to conflict avoidance along with significant tension that eventually boils over. Couples who are secure in their relationship know they are distinct people with their own opinions. Their partner’s position on a matter might very well drive them nuts until the end of time, but ultimately they realize that no amount of communication will change that, even if they still struggle to accept it.