It’s no secret that building and maintaining healthy, long-term relationships is not always easy.
In fact, some habits might even appear to be toxic, but that doesn’t mean they are.
So the way you argue can be a model for the kids, showing them to work out disagreements.
Can you yo take care of that now?'"
She notes that, “Complaints can be repaired, while criticism is destructive.”
That means the disagreement can be resolved, reasonably.
But there’s nothing toxic about people needing a little room to breathe on their own.
And if you’re introverted, you might just need some time with a good book.
And though it’s wonderfully convenient, it can also be a distraction from other activities.
Consequently, it’s considered bizarre if you don’t make yourself fully available to your partner."
But it can be quite healthy to not always be instantly available.
Plus, being too demanding of your partner’s time, or vice versa, can have consequences.
“Constant phone access can lead to neediness and controlling behaviors,” continued Bennett.
Then, when you’re free and ready, you could respond."
So don’t hesitate to throw your phone in your locker.
That’s why it’s good to set boundaries for yourself out of the gate.
But boundary setting is anything but toxic when it comes from an honest place.
Francis continued, “Boundaries are the invisible lines between us that keep us safe.
Saying no to people you care about is hard, but is important.”
Barring abusive behavior, this is healthy self-care.
He continued, “Honest criticism, done correctly, can actually be good for the relationship.
Bad judgment from one partner can have major consequences.
So as long as you’re not needlessly harping on your sweetie, there’s room for important critiques.
That’s actually not a bad move, especially if the fight is getting dirty.
“It’s never healthy to stay in the same place arguing and getting nowhere,” noted Hershenson.
“One of you will have to be the grown up and call a time out.
This means taking time apart away from the situation so you might regroup and come back together rational.”
The same is true for afterwards, when emotions are still running high.
Running off to a room and slamming the door or going out with friends is considered toxic behavior.
But, after a fight, your adrenaline is flowing and emotions are running high.
So as long as you make the effort to restart communications later, it’s perfectly acceptable to flee.
There have even beenstudies that showhow doing so could have a negative impact on your relationship.
This is especially true if you don’t share the same hobbies and interests.
A little work goes a long way in making it last!
