Couples that are in healthy relationships experience respect, sharing, and trust. These relationships, often, are based on the belief that both partners are equal. Couples in healthy relationships share power and control is equally between both partners.
...listening to one another, valuing each other's opinions, and listening in a non-judgmental manner. Respect also involves attempting to understand and affirm the other's emotions.
...supporting each other's goals in life, and respecting each other's right to his/her own feelings, opinions, friends, activities and interest. It is valuing one's partner as an individual.
...communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes or being wrong, acknowledging past use of violence, and accepting responsibility for one's self.
...making family/relationship decisions together, mutually agreeing on a distribution of work which is fair to both partners. If parents, the couple shares parental responsibilities and acts as positive, non-violent role models for the children.
...in marriage or cohabitation, making financial decisions together, and making sure both partners benefit from financial arrangements.
...being willing to compromise, accepting change, and seeking mutually satisfying solutions to conflict.
...talking and acting in a way that promotes both partners' feelings of safety in the relationship. Both should feel comfortable and safe in expressing him/herself and in engaging in activities.
For more information check out, http://bpdfamily.com/bpdresources/nk_a115.htm.