In a healthy relationship:

• There is spoken and unspoken dialogue. It is frank and direct with space for difference in world views.

• There is Empathy - or accurate understanding of the other's world as seen, felt and understood from the inside.

• We are curious about how the other thinks as well as what they think. and unspoken dialogue. It is frank and direct with space for difference in worldviews.

• There is room for individuality and at the same time cohesiveness.

• Power is distributed equally and conflict handled transparently through negotiation, without force or threat.

• There is expression of strong emotion and deepest fear by each person without abuse or causing harm.

• Adults do not involve children in the normal disagreements.

• There is forgiveness and redemption, which releases each without charge, from bondage to past, present or future.

Written by Peter Fox on www.peterfox.com.au/family_howto.html