Healthy Relationships

Every relationship is different. But all healthy relationships have:

  • Safety
  • Respect
  • Communication
  • Trust
  • Honesty
  • Support
  • Comfort
  • Independence
  • Boundaries

Building Healthy Relationships:

  • Voice your boundaries, concerns, and what makes you feel safe. Your partner(s) can’t read your mind. In order for your needs to be met, you must communicate those needs. Additionally, provide your partner(s) with an opportunity to voice their needs as well.

  • Respect each others wishes and feelings.

  • Disagreements are completely normal--even in healthy relationships. When navigating conflicts, it’s very important to understand what your intentions are with whatever you are saying. Are you communicating your feelings or are you trying to hurt your partner(s) and make them feel bad?

  • Meet half-way to make compromises, not sacrifices.  Healthy relationships are not about what one person wants all the time and no one should have to give up what makes them feel safe or comfortable to accommodate others.

  • Respect each other’s privacy. Healthy relationships involve a level of autonomy and space.

Healthy Conflict Resolution:

Conflicts in relationships are normal and are inevitable, so learning to deal with them in a healthy way is crucial. Conflict may arise from differences in values, ideas, motivations, perceptions, ideas or desires. Although a conflict may seem trivial, it can trigger strong feelings that can affect the relationship.

The first step to conflict resolution is to understand your own needs first. If you don’t know what you want, then you can never fully resolve any situation that might arise. After taking your own feelings and ideals into account, then you can take the next steps to understand your partner’s/partners’ needs. A lack of understanding about differing needs, ideals, and values can result in distance, argument or break up.

Successful conflict management relies on each partner’s ability to:

  • Manage stress while remaining alert and calm. By staying calm, you can accurately read and interpret verbal and nonverbal communication

  • Control your emotions and behavior. When you’re in control of your emotions, you can communicate your needs without threatening, frightening, or punishing others.

  • Pay attention to the feelings being expressed. As well as the spoken words of others

  • Be aware and respectful of differences. By avoiding disrespectful words and actions, you can resolve the problem faster.

For more information about healthy relationships and conflict resolution skills, visit the following sites:

Conflict Resolution Skills

Love is Respect

Sexual Communication