Healthy Relationships

Tips for Creating and Keeping a Healthy Relationship

• Communication: Make sure that you and your boyfriend/girlfriend want and expect the same things from your relationship.
• Speak up: When something bothers you, talk about it.  Don't hold it in.
• Respect: Mutual respect is an important part of any healthy relationship.  Let your boyfriend/girlfriend know that their feelings and ideas are important to you.
• Compromise: Conflict is normal, but it's important to solve arguments in a fair and respectful way.
• Be supportive:  Offer comfort and encouragement to your boyfriend/girlfriend and let them know when you need support.
• Respect each other's privacy:  Just because you're in a relationship doesn't mean you have to share everything.  Healthy relationships require space.

Guidelines for healthy communication

• Timing counts:  Taking time to cool off will prevent you from saying or doing something hurtful in the heat of the moment as well as clarify what the problem is.
• Agree to disagree and move on:  There are some issues that both people will never completely agree on.  Agree to disagree and come up with a compromise.
• Make your message clear:  Be clear about your wants and needs.
• Discuss one thing at a time:  Do your best to keep the focus on settling one concern at a time.
• Really listen:  Don't interrupt.  Focus on what your boyfriend/girlfriend is really saying rather than thinking about your response.
• Take a win-win position:  The goal is for the relationship to "win" over someone "winning" an argument.

10 Signs you are in a healthy relationships

1. You give each other personal space.
2. You trust each other.
3. You don't rush milestones.
4. You can talk about anything.
5. You inspire each other to be better.
6. You appreciate the little things
7. You accept each other for who you are.
8. You hold each other up during tough times.
9. You are able to let go of the past.
10. You're relationship has gotten stronger over time.