So what makes a healthy relationship? There are many right answers to this question, but in today's world many people assume that a healthy relationship revolves around money.

But from the many couples whose stories I have been able to share here, I have come to realise that having a healthy relationship does not necessarily mean having a lot of money, but just a few simple things.

These include open communication, active listening, trust, respect, support, scheduled quality time and regular expressions of appreciation to foster strong connections.

For example, when we profiled The Sorums, Josephine Kuria revealed that she and her husband, Mortem Sorum, had been in a long-distance relationship for 17 years before they got married.

Read: My experience with couples in Nakuru and why the 'come we stay' arrangement works

She tells us how, despite the distance - she lived in Kenya and her husband in Norway - they were able to maintain a strong bond despite the challenges and temptations of modern life.

"Communication is key, despite the distance we always talked every day and when we had days off we would set aside days to connect," said Mrs Sorum.

While she was abroad, Josephine, lived in Oslo and Mortem in Tonsberg - when they first met - notes that through communication she and her husband shared thoughts, feelings, plans and dreams.

"In a world full of distractions, active listening is crucial and a small gesture that goes a long way. As much as we can't control technology, we can choose to control it especially when we are together, it is wise to put the phone away and listen to what each other has to say," she said.

Another couple who shared their inspiring journey of how they found each other are the Kyalo's. Magdalene Kayondo and Stephen Kyalo have maintained a healthy relationship despite being little people.

Read: The fascinating love story of couple in Barnabas with 52-year age gap

For them, it is important to support each other regardless of the ridicule they sometimes face.

"We have learned to find strength in our differences. When people mock us, we choose to rise above it, knowing that our love is stronger than people's judgement," said Mr Kyalo.

The Kyalos, who have been together for a year, speak of trust, a quality that neither of them takes for granted.

"Couples often focus on external factors such as sex, money and appearance as the pillars of a couple instead of focusing on the emotional bond that will sustain the relationship," says relationship therapist Millicent Omanga.

Ms Omanga points out that for a healthy relationship, there are twelve stages that couples need to follow, but most of them want to skip the process and this is where the problem begins.

"As much as financial stability is important these days, it is the shared goals and values that really matter. A couple should be able to face challenges together to define their strength," she said.

Read: So this is love: Subukia couple shares the secret to a loving marriage

According to Ms Omanga, a healthy relationship is one that is continually built on emotional intimacy, genuine connection and the realisation that love transcends external factors.

mandikizella@gmail.com

Do healthy relationships still exist?

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