Our relationships are built on the foundation of our behaviors, and the way we interact and communicate with one another. Unfortunately, sometimes those relationship dynamics aren’t the healthiest, which can put some strain on our relationships.
That includes friendship dynamics, romantic relationship dynamics, and any other relationships we have with the people in our lives. The good news is that you can improve the dynamics of a relationship to promote more emotionally healthy relationships with everyone you interact with. But first, what are relationship dynamics, and are there different types?
What are Relationship Dynamics?
Relationship dynamics refer to the way you interact within any type of relationship. For example, couples dynamics would be the way you are with a romantic partner, which could be healthy by communicating honestly, sharing interests, and remaining individually assertive. However, when we usually discuss the dynamics of a relationship, especially a romantic relationship, we often refer to negative or toxic cycles like codependency, poor communication, or selfishness.
These cycles, whether healthy or unhealthy, are reinforced throughout a relationship so that they grow stronger, but it is possible to break the cycle and progress toward healthier relationship dynamics.
To better explain, here’s a relationship dynamics meme or two!
Types of Relationship Dynamics
There are different types of relationships that are based on relationship dynamics types (like the ones shown in the relationship dynamics meme!). While obviously ( or maybe not so obviously), every relationship is unique and won’t fit directly into specific types of relationship dynamics, knowing the different types can help you identify healthy and unhealthy patterns that can help you improve your relationship and work toward better dynamics overall.
These are only some of the more common relationship dynamics, but there are many cycles that may influence the success of your relationships.
Active/Passive
This type of relationship has an imbalance in power dynamics because one partner is more in charge while the other follows along. While that may not seem too bad (and it isn’t inherently bad!), there are some potential problems that can arise. While active/passive relationships typically involve few fights, the person in the active role can stray toward resentment or unappreciation.
Disconnected/Parallel
This type of relationship is cordial but doesn’t offer the type of connection you should strive for with emotionally healthy relationships. While this is a common type in friendship dynamics, for romantic couple dynamics it can end up being boring and stale fast…and we all know how boring relationships end, don’t we? Sometimes a relationship enters into this dynamic after years of happiness, which can lead to resentment, arguments, and midlife crises.
Competitive/Controlling
Unlike the previous type, this type of relationship is VERY unlikely to be boring because it leans more toward extreme levels of tension. That’s because the power dynamics involve competition and comparisons on who is better, who wins every argument, and who is in charge. This primes your relationship for failure or toxicity, but it is possible to work through it too with healthier communication, guidelines, and lots and lots of love and effort.
Aggressive/Accommodating
We’ve all seen relationships where one partner is completely in charge and the other just follows along trying to ensure peacefulness… while it may look good from the outside, these relationships are often on the verge of blowing up at all times. This type of relationship also has a tendency to stray toward abusive relationship dynamics over time.
Accepting/Balanced
After all those seemingly troublesome relationship dynamics, it’s only fair to give one type that is natural for emotionally healthy relationships! With accepting/balanced couple dynamics, the partners work together, care for one another, give compliments, and accept each other’s strengths and weaknesses. When challenges arise, they work through them together with communication and trust to help foster a healthy, happy partnership.
Before we look at how you can improve the dynamics of your relationship, here’s another relationship dynamics meme!
How to Improve Relationship Dynamics for Emotionally Healthy Relationships
Whether you stray toward male or female-led relationship dynamics, it is possible to improve any relationship. While it may take some time and effort, these are some tips that can help you improve your romantic or friendship dynamics for healthy interactions and positive well-being.
Evaluate Your Own Needs
Many unhealthy relationship dynamics stem from an imbalance in power dynamics. Maybe you struggle to remain assertive or give in to your partner’s needs…trust me, it’s common! But by evaluating your own needs, working on your own self-esteem, and believing that your needs are just as important as anyone else, you can work towards better balance and healthier partnerships.
If you find yourself prioritizing your partner’s needs over your own, evaluate the reasons why and write them down. This can help you focus your efforts to improve your relationship dynamics for a more emotionally healthy future.
Show Affection
We all show affection in our own ways, but sometimes relationship dynamics struggle simply because we fail to do so. Try showing affection daily one way or another. This is important to build a connection, encourage a healthy balance, take care of needs, and show appreciation for your partner.
These are all important features of most healthy relationships. If you have difficulty showing affection, that’s okay! It can be as simple as holding hands, giving a hug, or telling your partner or friend how much they mean to you.
Improve Communication
While the way we communicate is often the result of relationship dynamics, it’s a good place to start to turn things around. That’s because our couple dynamics are shown in the way we speak to each other, and, just as important, the way we listen to each other.
Here are some tips to improve your communication in your relationships:
- Think before you speak!
- Use “I” statements instead of “You” statements
- Practice active listening
- Ask clarifying questions
- Set aside a calm time to talk
- Discuss your fears, worries, and dreams
- Instead of overthinking, talk about it!
Do Something Enjoyable
Often we make relationships to be so serious, we forget how fun they can be! If you’re always working, sleeping, or arguing, of course, your relationship dynamics are going to be lousy! So make sure you take the time to do fun things with your partner that you can both enjoy together. This allows you to show affection, establish a better connection, reduce stress, and boost your mood.
Practice
Relationships aren’t easy, but relationship dynamics form and change over time. In some cases, they get unhealthy, but if your goal is emotionally healthy relationships, then practice makes perfect! Use your mistakes to build better dynamics for the future. Learn to solve the conflict in a way that works for both you and your partner.
If you need help improving your relationship dynamics, then MindBar is a fantastic choice because we offer affordable relationship classes taught by certified professionals who really know their stuff. Don’t believe me? Try it free to see for yourself!