For an emotionally balanced mindset and a life that is healthy and joyous, meaningful relationships are essential. Be it a friendship, romantic relationship, or simply companionship, the quality of the bond is important, as a toxic bond will leave everlasting wounds. In a healthy relationship, you will…

• Feel effortless being in it and never feel competitive.
• Always feel appreciated.
• See their actions and words aligning themselves.
• Never feel drained or full of self-doubt.
• Feel heard, validated, understood, and accepted for who you are.
• See mutual respect from each other.
• Experience trustworthiness.
• Never be judged for your weaknesses or mistakes.
• Never have your insecurities triggered by them.
• Feel safe to be vulnerable with them, to be sensitive around them.
• Be able to communicate honestly even during the hardest times.
• Be encouraged to feel, heal, and grow.
• See listening going both ways.
• Always make efforts to spend quality time with you.
• Feel comfortable sharing your stories with them.
• Be celebrated for both your big and small achievements. 
• Always learn good things to grow as a person.
• Be educated with new things without feeling any less.
• Be able to maintain healthy boundaries.
• See your boundaries being respected.
• Be understood during your antisocial phases.
• Have time and space whenever you need.
• See them apologizing and making things better if you ever get hurt by their words or actions.
• Be supportive of all your dreams, passions, and interests.
• Never feel controlled, belittled, or discouraged.
• Never see them being sarcastic about things you get excited about.
• Never feel left out. 
• Be cared for.
• Find a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold when walking along difficult paths.
• Always be uplifted, and find hope to hold onto in the darkest moments.
• Always find the world worth living in.

Because sometimes, it’s you and your inner circle against the cruel world!

Written by: Rtr. Gayanjalee de Silva