Relationship
Some signs your relationship is healthy
There’s an essential factor in your life which you just as easily hold the key to for keeping it safe and sound. And that’s relationships. They too can be healthy if only what you and your partner have assures your relationship is doing both of you good, individually as well as collectively.
If not, it’ll just shrivel away and leave you and your partner on no solid ground.
There is faith
Your partner believes in you even when you lose all faith in yourself. You know them completely as a person, inside out and acknowledge what they lack yet you do not talk about them behind their back to your family and friends.
You forget who you are so they bring you back to existence by reminding you and you do the same for them. When one falters, the other is there to pick them up and move forward again. This kind of affirmative faith in each other ensures a healthy relationship that will last a long time.
There is trust
You both trust each other enough to do things your own way yet remain loyal only to one another. You do not go looking into their personal stuff nor do they look into yours and trust each other to handle issues themselves, without cheating on the other. When they break a promise or cannot fulfill some responsibility, there is enough trust between you two that you do not hold it over their head and put baseless blames on them.
They do the same for you. If you have such an unflinching, unmoving trust in your relationship then it can stand the test of time because everything else in a relationship is based on the moral of trust. – Continue reading on next page
There is mutual acceptance
So you both know each other’s pasts; know the kind of upbringing you both had; all the past lovers you have been with; every past mistake you made yet both of you accept each other the way it is that is a sure sign for the relationship that is going to last. You do not try to control your partner to make them do things your way nor do they control you. Neither of you questions each other’s motives for doing what they do.
There is gratitude
You both appreciate the little things you do for each other. No one is waiting for the new job or for the salary bump; to move in to the different city, or for the next trip to make things interesting in the relationship.
You and your partner are truly grateful for what you have right now in the present. Both of you find contentment and peace with what you have together and no one plays the dangerous game of if only. There is no rushing into things either. Both you and your partner focus on the path you are walking upon together and the whole process of it, not the destination.
There is good communication
Both of you realise how essential it is to resolve petty little issues, work past temporary setbacks and be happy again. And in order to do that, there exists good communication between you and your partner. You speak your mind and do not mind what you speak.
There is no hesitation or withholding of anything between the two of you in fact, letting out what you both feel seems like the most comfortable thing to do. You both listen to one another and take heed of what the other wants, or what needs to be changed so things would be better.
Source: www.gistping.com
Building and maintaining healthy relationships is an important part of looking after our mental health. Here are six top tips to support you:
1. Get to know yourself
Take time to appreciate yourself and connect with your emotions. Being aware of your feelings allows you to express yourself clearly and effectively. Poor emotional regulation can negatively affect your mental wellbeing.
2. Put in the work
Healthy relationships are built, not found. They require commitment and a willingness to accommodate each other’s needs.
3. Set and respect boundaries
Boundaries communicate what you appreciate and what you don’t like in a relationship. For example, respecting your need for alone time helps prevent unrealistic expectations and reduces pressure on the relationship.
4. Talk and listen
Disagreements are normal. Focus on listening to understand, not just to respond. Be open about your emotions and vulnerabilities with people you trust.
5. Let go of control
You can only control your actions, not those of others. Accepting this reduces stress and saves time while fostering healthier interactions.
6. Reflect and learn
Healthy expression of feelings helps you respond appropriately to others. Often, anger stems from hurt; recognizing this allows for better communication and relationship building. Reflect on the relationships that work well in your life, identify their positive qualities, and apply these lessons elsewhere.
As parents on a mission, raise children who are not just successful, but cultured, morally upright, and ready to lead. The secret? Blend biblical principles and traditional values with practical parenting strategies that work in today’s world.
Ghana’s culture is built on respect, community, and integrity, and when combined with Christian values like love and forgiveness, it is a powerful combo for parenting. Teaching children about traditions, biblical truths, or the importance of greeting elders is not just about preserving culture—it is about building character.
5 Practical steps to raise disciplined, cultured kids
1. Set clear expectations
Explain rules and values clearly. For example, “We respect elders because God says ‘Honour your father and mother’” (Ephesians 6:2). Also, “We respect elders because they have lived longer and know more.” Align household rules with cultural values like obedience and responsibility.
2. Lead by example
Children mimic what they see. Show respect to elders, speak kindly, and demonstrate honesty in daily life. Proverb: “If you show a child how to behave, they’ll behave.” Moreover, Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way they should go …” You can also introduce them to traditional games like “Oware” or “Ampe,” which teach strategic thinking.
3. Teach emotional intelligence
Help children label emotions (“You’re feeling angry”). Encourage resolving conflicts peacefully—like using “sorry” to mend relationships. Ghanaian proverb: “A smooth sea doesn’t make a skilled sailor.”
4. Assign responsibilities
Give age-appropriate chores (e.g., fetching water, helping with cooking). It builds accountability and pride in contributing. Link chores to cultural values like communal living (“We all help in the community”) and biblical stewardship.
5. Embed culture and faith in daily life
Cook traditional foods like Banku, Jollof rice, or Fufu, tell folktales, or celebrate local festivals with prayer and gratitude. Discuss values like ubuntu (I am because we are) to teach teamwork and empathy; alongside God’s love for unity (John 13:34-35). Make culture fun and relatable.
Some other awesome ways to make Ghanaian culture relatable for children include:
- Sharing popular Ghanaian artists like Joe Mettle, Uncle Ato, or Obaapa Christie, and teaching traditional dances like Kpanlogo or Adowa.
- Exploring Ghanaian crafts like kente weaving or bead-making through online workshops.
- Talking about festivals like Homowo (celebrated by the Ga people) or Aboakyer (a deer-hunting festival) using cool videos and pictures online.
Why this matters for Ghana’s future leaders
- Respect and integrity: Cultured children grow into leaders who respect others and uphold ethical standards.
- Community mindset: Values like cooperation and serving others (Galatians 5:13) prepare them to contribute positively to society.
- Resilience: Cultural roots give children a strong identity, helping them navigate life’s challenges.
Parenting in the digital age
- Balance screen time with cultural activities. Use Anansi stories or Bible stories on YouTube or play Oware to teach strategy and patience.
- Discuss social media etiquette through the lens of respect, responsibility, and biblical wisdom (Proverbs 15:4).
Final thought for Ghanaian parents
February 2026 is a fresh start. Blend Ghana’s timeless values with modern tools to raise leaders who are grounded, respectful, and ready to thrive.
To be continued …
Source: REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI and Counselor Blessing Offei’s insights on relationships, marriage, and parenting in Ghana. He is an author, mental health professional, lecturer, and marriage counsellor at COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE). He is the author of several books, including “Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage” and “A Counsellor’s Guide to Using ‘Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage’ Effectively.”
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