What makes a happy, healthy relationship?
Recent research conducted by eharmony reveals that Australians define a happy, healthy relationship as a one that is trusting, honest and respectful. Almost every respondent (97%) agreed that trust, honesty and/or respect was important for being both happy and healthy in a romantic partnership. The top traits were closely followed by loyalty (69%), good communication (66%) and kindness (63%).
97%
Almost every survey respondent defined a happy, healthy relationship as one that is trusting, honest and respectful
The ideal relationship
A happy, healthy relationship is something most Australian couples strive for, and according to the majority of those in a relationship (85%), regularly spending time together is essential to achieving it. It’s also important that both parties feel safe communicating. Of those in a relationship, the vast majority (82%) of respondents agreed that you need to feel comfortable expressing your opinions and concerns to your partner.
Maintaining a healthy relationship also requires making time for fun and spontaneity according to almost three-quarters (72%) of Aussies. Showing that you can’t give up “dating” once you’ve established your connection. It was noted by 69% of respondents that a happy, healthy couple wouldn’t restrict each other from being friends with someone; demonstrating the importance of maintaining independence in a partnership.
69%
of those in relationships say it’s important to maintain independence in a relationship.
72%
of people in relationships state the need for fun and spontaneity in a relationship
Men v women
Men and women differ slightly when it comes to the nitty-gritty of what a happy, healthy relationship looks like in practice.
- 68% of women versus 48% of men believe that couples shouldn’t spend time on 0their phones when they’re with each other
- 48% of women believe happy and healthy couples spend time apart, compared to 27% of men
- 34% of women are more likely to need the approval of their friends and family in a relationship, while only 16% of men seek the same approval
- One thing 52% of men and women can agree on is that having sex often would be typical of a happy, healthy relationship
Generational divide
55% of Gen Zs and 48% of millennials think spending time with each other’s families is an integral part of top tier relationship, compared to only 34% of Gen Y’s and 38% of Baby Boomers. 78% of baby boomers think a holiday together is a sign of a connected couple, whereas only 60% of Gen Zs agree. 82% of Australian boomers agree its normal to have arguments, but resolving them is key, while only 30% of Gen Zs would say the same. Every generation can agree that happy, healthy relationships laugh a lot with a similar amount of Gen Zs, Millennials, Gen Ys and Baby Boomers agreeing (66%, 69%, 67% and 67% respectively).
Celebrity examples
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the relative publicity around the two royal couples, Prince William and Kate were considered to have a much healthier relationship than that of Harry and Meghan Markle. Other standouts were Australian actress Nicole Kidman and her husband, the musician Keith Urban, who have been married since 2006.