In light of it being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I figured I would take a more lighthearted approach on the topic and write about the several signs of a good, healthy relationship. While it is, of course, extremely important to acknowledge and prevent the violence and abuse that many men and women face on a daily basis, it is also important to encourage the our peers, the future generations, and ourselves to participate in healthy behaviors and treat the people we love with respect. That being said, here is a list of behaviors that indicate a healthy, loving relationship

1. Respecting each other's interests

You both have a mutual respect for each other’s interests/hobbies and maybe even try to participate in them from time to time. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to love everything they are interested in, but it does mean that no one in the relationship is constantly putting the other person down for it either.

2. You are comfortable around each other

In regards to relationships, I feel like people nowadays have equated the word “comfortable” to “boredom”. In my opinion, being comfortable with each other is a good thing! It means you guys can be yourselves with each other, eat messy foods around each other, fart around each other (admit it, you do it too), or know exactly what they are feeling/want. It means you know each other on a deeper level and I think that is something people should strive for in any kind of relationship.

3. You’re usually on the same page about lots of things

I discovered how much this mattered to me in the beginning stages of dating my boyfriend. On topics regarding our relationship and sometimes other matters, we always seemed to be on the same or a similar page. This doesn’t mean we don’t disagree on things from time to time, but it certainly has reduced conflict and makes it easier to be honest and open with each other.

4. You’re honest with each other

Relating back to my last point, honesty is very point. With honesty comes trust, which means being upfront with each other, both of the good and the bad. Honesty doesn’t always have to be brutal either, but it does mean that maybe that green sweater doesn’t actually flatter you or that yes, they actually were upset about that thing you said. It leads to better communication and understanding of each other.

This list goes on and on, of course, and every relationship is different. Some couples fight more than others because that’s how they communicate. Some relationships are purely monogamous, others are polyamorous and open. Some couples are interested in the same exact things, and others the complete opposite. Things like that don’t factor into whether or not a relationship is healthy, as long as all of the people in that relationship are consenting and not acting in an abusive manner.

To all of those fantastically happy and beautiful relationships out there: keep spreading the love and encourage others to do the same! Violence isn’t and shouldn’t be a side effect of “love”. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect!

Things like relationship violence aren’t always easy topics to talk about; however, if you think something might be wrong in a friend/family member’s relationship or your own, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

For more information on Domestic Violence Month visit http://www.ncadv.org/takeastand.