This article is based on an expert interview with Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW, conducted by wikiHow Staff Editors. Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. Kelli also facilitates groups for those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction as well as anger management groups. She is the author of “Professor Kelli’s Guide to Finding a Husband” and the award-winning and best-selling book “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and is a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
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Great romances are full of passion, but without a strong foundation they can also be chaotic and unstable. If you want your romance to transform into a successful, healthy relationship, look beyond grand gestures and start working on your bond as a couple. In this video, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Kelli Miller outlines three core characteristics of a great relationship: healthy communication, equality, and trust. By building up these qualities with your partner, you can create a stable foundation for your passion to flourish.
Key Takeaways
- The first part of a healthy relationship is good communication.
- Equality is also important in any relationship. Both partners should feel equal and put in equal effort.
- A successful relationship also needs trust.
Video Transcript
I actually want to caution against using the word romance. To me, romance can signify a lot of passion, chaos, instability—like we see in the movies. But this isn't always healthy. Romance can be part of a relationship, but we should make sure that it's not the definitive part. To me, the three great characteristics of a relationship are first, healthy communication. Are you able to express your needs, desires, and issues without a great deal of conflict? And is the other person open to hearing it? Number two is equality. Do you feel like an equal to your partner? Are you both putting in equal effort? And finally number three is trust. Do you feel your partner is loyal? Are you loyal to your partner? Do you ultimately have a safe relationship?
