Most of us go into a relationship not expecting much. But is that a good thing? There are healthy relationship expectations to keep in mind.
If you go into a relationship with no expectations, you won’t be treated with respect. Instead, you’ll be shocked when your partner does something nice for your birthday. In reality, this is what they should be doing. So, it’s not about lowering your standards, you just need healthy relationship expectations.
# Know the difference between needs and desiresThis is what most of us get confused about which is why we try not to expect anything. But there’s a clear difference between your needs and desires. You should have expectations which fulfill your needs. These are things that are necessary for living a healthy life.
For example, a need could be that your partner doesn’t have an addiction issue or that they’re faithful. A desire is something you’d like to have but isn’t essential for your life such as an expensive car or money.
# Sex is not absolutely necessary
Now, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be having sex. For most relationships, sex plays a crucial role in the relationship because it creates intimacy. However, a healthy relationship expectation doesn’t mean you need to have sex on a daily basis.
When we go into a relationship, sometimes we assume that regular sex is a part of the package, but it’s not. A healthy relationship is where both people respect each other’s sexual needs.
# Your partner will screw up
When we’re with someone, we sometimes assume that they always know how we feel or what we want in that specific moment. However, a healthy relationship consists of communication and expressing needs and desires. Your partner can’t read your mind and though they may know you pretty well, they’re not you. A healthy relationship realizes that and understands that no one is a mind reader.
# Knowing and accepting each other's flawsIf you’re new in a relationship, right now everything may feel fine and dandy, but let’s be honest, we’re all flawed. Yes, that means you as well. But this isn’t about hiding your flaws from your partner. I mean, eventually, it’s going to show. A healthy expectation is knowing that your partner is going to be flawed, however, you accept their flaws for what they are.
# Accepting responsibility
No one likes admitting that they screwed up, but have you ever been in a relationship where your partner blames you for everything? Did that feel good? Did that feel healthy? Of course, it didn’t feel good. But that’s obviously a reason why you’re not with them anymore. See, a healthy relationship will have its ups and downs, but both people take responsibility for their actions and can admit and apologize for their mistakes.
# CommunicatingThis is not only a healthy relationship expectation, but it’s a crucial one to have. You need to be able to communicate with your partner in a safe, open, and honest environment. If not, well, your relationship isn’t going to last. This is something you need to have in any relationship. Can you imagine not being able to talk to your partner about your feelings? What’s the point of having a partner then?
# Promises can be brokenWe've all watched so many chick flicks that most of us have that narrative stuck in our heads. Lemme tell ya something, that isn't healthy for anyone. First of all, it makes the guy have to act like prince charming, and secondly, it gives women the idea that we need to have a happily ever after.