Getting to a point of true security in your relationship can take some time. After all, the early stages of a relationship are, by definition, insecure. But if you can get past the fears and worries that come with dating, it’s a total game changer.

In the early stages of dating, you may spend a lot of time preoccupied with thoughts about how to keep you moving forward in your new relationship.

Sometimes we get so carried away by the passion of the new relationship that many of our other relationships and activities take a back seat for a while. While this is completely normal, there is no real security in it.

In fact, being in a healthy relationship doesn’t mean being stuck with each other. A healthy relationship is one where there is a secure bond between two people. That bond is predictable, consistent, and accessible to you. You will feel that you can count on your partner physically and emotionally.

Here are 7 unexpected things that only happen when you’re in a healthy relationship:

1. You will be more emotionally vulnerable than ever

When you are in a healthy relationship, you will feel completely safe to take some important emotional risks.

It is human nature to protect yourself from potential harm and injury. The thought of opening your heart to share tender and vulnerable feelings with someone you don’t feel safe with would be terrifying.

But when you’re with someone who makes you feel safe, you’ll have no problem letting them into your innermost heart. You will break down all barriers and show your love your vulnerable side. By doing so, you will be able to build a stronger, deeper and more intimate relationship.

2. You may feel a little bored at times

When a relationship is healthy and stable, some couples can lose their unpredictability. But it’s often what it takes to create a lasting bond.

Many people in really healthy relationships can feel bored compared to the constant novelty and intrigue you get from being together. Just think of all the “drama” that comes with the early stages of dating.

This roller coaster of emotions and conflict is also why we love romantic comedies so much. But a healthy relationship isn’t built on constant excitement, which is exhausting and unstable.

Instead, when you have a really strong relationship, you can take solace in the fact that you’re with someone who will be there for you through the ups, downs, and all of life’s little moments.

3. You’re not afraid to speak your mind

If you’re in a healthy relationship, you’ve probably reached the point where you both accept each other for who you are – flaws, quirks and all.

But, it also means a new level of comfort where you’re not afraid to speak your mind. That little voice in your head that used to warn you about something you say is a problem may not be there anymore.

Because of this, you probably won’t be afraid to argue with your love. Chances are you’ve developed a style of communication that you’re confident in reaching a solution. Nothing is considered off-limits when it comes to expressing yourself, fully and honestly and always with respect.

4. You will give your friends more time than you used to.

In the early stages of your relationship, it’s easy to make your partner the center of your universe. Once you feel that your relationship is really in a good place, you will start looking for ways to bring more balance to your life.

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You can start putting more time and effort into friendships you may have neglected, working harder at school or work, and getting back to hobbies that used to mean a lot to you.

SEE ALSO: 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SHOW YOUR WIFE THAT YOU LOVE HER

5. You will reconnect with yourself

When you reach the point in your relationship where you are truly safe with each other, you will be able to invest more in yourself.

If the relationship is going well, the sense of security increases because you now know each other more deeply.

For example, you won’t have to worry about whether your fights will lead to a breakup because you’ve learned to argue fairly and effectively.

If your partner needs space, it won’t make you feel anxious or worried about being away from each other. At this stage, we can reconnect with ourselves and feel more in touch with who we are separate from (but connected to) our partner.

6. You will feel freer in your relationship

When you are in a truly healthy relationship, you will feel more freedom and independence. Some people might be surprised to hear this because they think couples should do everything together.

But if you’re in a happy relationship, you’ll want your partner to be happy, even if it means spending time alone.

The best part is that you won’t be waiting anxiously for your partner to make you satisfy. When you’re in a healthy relationship, you just trust that he or she will always come back.

7 . You will feel a strong sense of “I” and “We”

When you feel a strong sense of “I” and “we”, you can find the perfect balance between doing things for yourself and doing things for the relationship.

When you’re okay with each other, you don’t have to bear the burden of depending on each other. Now you can be two independent people who enjoy sharing your deeply fulfilling lives.

It is a dynamic interdependent relationship that is healthy, satisfying and mature.

Feeling secure in your relationship doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something you have to work on constantly and it’s something that takes time. But if you and your partner can do that, you will have a strong and lasting relationship forever.