Healthy relationships can be hard to come by these days. In a world of constant self-focus, there is not much space for the maintaining of good, solid relationships. However, healthy relationships are absolutely vital in every area of life.

Several key things are necessary if meaningful, balanced relationships are to be made and kept. Healthy relationships require mutual respect, ability to compromise, purposeful conversation, and the continual practice of putting others before oneself.

Mutual respect is not something that is found often in today's relationships. People treat each other with an astounding lack of honor and propriety, defaming and critiquing all around them. However, for healthy relationships to be maintained, it is most important that both parties have a respect for each other. Respect is not drawn from career position or from social class, but from the mere fact that all humans are created equal and need to be treated as such.

Healthy relationships require both parties to also have the ability to compromise in certain circumstances. Ability to compromise certainly does not mean that one should go against their convictions or fundamental beliefs. However, it does require that one should be willing to meet half way on the less important subjects of life. Unfortunately, we humans tend to grow set in our ways and become too stubborn to compromise and therefore to keep a relationship. Ability to compromise will produce more peace and satisfaction in any relationship, helping to break down walls of stubborn nature and pride.

Perhaps the most commonly neglected aspect of healthy relationships is purposeful conversation. So much time is wasted in today's world talking about things that do not matter. It is more common to have a conversation about last night's meal than meaningful topics or personal issues. Obviously, one does not need to be transparent with every person on the street, but it is necessary to have transparency and purposeful conversation if healthy relationships will be maintained.

Finally, it is important to remember that selfishness has never helped any relationship. When we as humans become entirely focused on ourselves, we push others away and ruin any hope of healthy relationships. In order to make and keep healthy relationships, it is vital that we take our eyes off ourselves and begin thinking about the other person's needs and wants. It is when we do this that we will discover our relationships to blossom and grow.

Although healthy relationships are not often seen in today's world, they are not impossible. With a little change of attitude and some effort put forth, we humans can discover a whole new way to approach relationships which will be deeply satisfying and entirely rewarding.