Of Dr. Cortney S. Warren

In successful relationships, both partners feel emotionally safe, that they have contact, and they feel comfortable being themselves. But for many of us, romantic relationships can highlight our deeper insecurities.

As a psychologist trained in Harvard who works with couples, I often tell people that emotional security in a relationship begins with seeing yourself as worthy of love knowing that your partner is receptive, cares and really dedicated – both easy.

Couples who truly trust each other use seven phrases each day, and they should be relationship goals for all of us.

1. ‘You see me as I am’

Feeling safe in a relationship means that you never need to hide aspects of yourself. You feel comfortable being vulnerable when you talk about painful or difficult issues, because you trust that your partner will respond to compassion, not critically.

Similar phrases:

“Thank you for love me for what I am”

‘I feel I can be myself with you’

2. ‘I trust you’

Confidence is the foundation of emotional security. You believe that your partner’s words and actions are aligned, whether you are together or apart. You know who it is and you think it has your own interest in mind.

Similar phrases:

“Thank you for respecting me and our relationship”

“We are a team and I think you want the best for both of us”

3. ‘We will overcome this’

Even the most emotionally safe couples have conflicts. What differentiates them is the way they handle them. They do not panic or threaten to leave during disagreements because they are convinced that the relationship can withstand storms.

Similar phrases:

‘Our relationship does not end with a difficult situation’

‘Let’s find the solution together’

4. “Go out and have fun with your friends!”

People who trust their partners do not feel endangered when they are apart. They feel comfortable being alone. They respect each other’s need for independence, knowing that this reinforces the relationship.

Similar phrases:

‘I am glad you are devoting time to yourself’

“Thanks for giving me space when I need him”

5. “I miss you!”

Missing you someone does not mean that you are attached – it means you have contact. Even when you support each other’s personal space, you still look forward to being together.

Similar phrases:

“Being apart helps me realize how grateful I am for you”

‘I’m glad to see you when you get home’

6. “Can we talk?”

Safe relationships create space for difficult discussions. When you don’t like something, you are not afraid to say it, because you believe that your partner will watch you and listen to you.

Similar phrases:

‘There’s something I would like to talk about’

“I feel a little bad and I want to make sure we’re well”

7. “Let’s make a plan!”

Looking towards the future, whether it is an evening appointment or a common goal of life, indicates a mutual investment in the relationship. You see your partner in your long -term vision and he sees you in his own.

Similar phrases:

“Can we look at our programs together?”

‘I am really looking forward to our trip’

Feeling safe in a relationship takes time

Sharing personal information about ourselves with our partners is not easy. It makes us vulnerable – and if they do not treat us with empathy, it can really hurt us.

But the goal is to be in a relationship where we can see us for who we are, to get to know us fully and to fully accept us. But this is not the case from day to day. It requires a conscious effort and means to learn to accept yourself first, to see your partner for what they really are, and to commit to growing along with time.