Relationships are inevitable! You have them from the doctor who delivers you to the very last person you see when you leave this life. Your most important relationship is the one with yourself. If that's not healthy, the others won't be either. Care for yourself. Forgive yourself, and work toward loving who you are. You are a survivor. Give yourself credit for surviving all your worst days!

7 reasons why healthy relationships are crucial:

1. Emotional Well-Being

2. Physical Health

3. Personal Growth

4. Social Connection

5. Conflict Resolution

6. Happiness

7. Child Development

Three ways to create healthy relationships are:

1. Effective Communication: Open and honest communication is vital. Listen actively, express your thoughts and feelings, and work on resolving conflicts constructively.

2. Trust and Respect: Building trust and showing respect are foundational. Be reliable, keep promises, and treat each other with kindness and consideration.

3. Quality Time: Spend quality time together, fostering emotional connections. Shared experiences and quality time can strengthen bonds and intimacy.

Remember, every relationship is unique, and these principles may need to be adapted to fit the specific needs of those involved.

7 signs of a possible toxic relationship can include:

1. Constant Negativity: If there's persistent criticism, contempt, or excessive negativity, it can be toxic.

2. Lack of Respect: Disregard for each other's boundaries, feelings, or autonomy is a red flag.

3. Emotional Abuse: Any form of emotional abuse, manipulation, or controlling behavior is toxic.

4. Isolation: If the relationship isolates you from friends and family, it can be unhealthy.

5. Consistent Unhappiness: If you're consistently unhappy, stressed, or anxious due to the relationship, it's a concern.

6. Imbalance of Power: A power imbalance where one person dominates or controls the other is unhealthy.

7. Incompatibility: Fundamental values and goals that are incompatible can lead to toxicity.

8. LIES

If you recognize these signs, it may be time to seek help, set boundaries, or consider ending the relationship, depending on the severity of the issues. A healthy relationship should promote well-being, respect, and growth for both individuals involved. Of course people aren't at their best when they're going through tough times, so communicate your needs, show mercy, and give the people in your life ample time to grow and improve.

For more great tips on creating your successful life, subscribe to Successful Survivors PodcastSuccessful Survivors podcast is by and for survivors of childhood trauma (abandonment, neglect, chaos, dysfunction, abuse, trafficking or any other cause of trauma). It's real, raw and funny--like us. All hosts and guests are survivors of childhood trauma. If that's you, WE ARE YOUR TRIBE, and you are safe here. We come from every background, culture, race, ethnicity, age group, etc., so we don't agree on everything. (It would be pretty boring if we did!) Survivors do better in life when we're connected. We push through troubles, we persevere, and we get through hard times--usually with a few laughs. To contact us go to https://www.successfulsurvivors.org/join. There's no cost or obligation to join--just purpose, meaning and connection. Please subscribe @successfulsurvivors . We're also on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@successfulsurvivors/podcasts