Final answer:
In a healthy relationship, couples do not need to spend all their time together; balance is key for well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to research, the characteristic of couples in a healthy relationship that is not prevalent is the notion that they spend all their time together. While a healthy relationship certainly involves being good listeners, sharing feelings and ideas, and finding it easy to think of things to do together, spending all one's time with a partner is not required and is generally not considered healthy. Ryff & Singer (2009) indicated that positive relationships contribute to well-being, and this involves a balance of together time and individual space. West et al. (2009) point out challenges such as exhaustion that can arise when partners spend excessive time together, which is not conducive to the health of a relationship. Sternberg's (1986) components of consummate love - intimacy, passion, and commitment - suggest that a balance of these elements, not the monopolization of one another's time, characterize a healthy, loving relationship