OMG Digital Magazine OMG Issue 337 27th December 2018 | Page 11
OMG Digital Magazine | 337 | Thursday 27 December 2018 • PAGE 11
Relationship
WHAT IS A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP?
Different people define relationships in different ways.
But in order for a relationship to be healthy, it needs a few
key ingredients!
Healthy Communication
Open, honest and safe communication is a fundamental
part of a healthy relationship. The first step to building
a relationship is making sure you both understand each
other’s needs and expectations—being on the same page
is very important. That means you have to talk to each
other! The following tips can help you and your partner
create and maintain a healthy relationship:
• Speak Up. In a healthy relationship, if something is
bothering you, it’s best to talk about it instead of
holding it in.
• Respect Each Other. Your partner’s wishes and
feelings have value, and so do yours. Let your
significant other know you are making an effort to
keep their ideas in mind. Mutual respect is essential
in maintaining healthy relationships.
• Compromise. Disagreements are a natural part of
healthy relationships, but it’s important that you find
a way to compromise if you disagree on something.
Try to solve conflicts in a fair and rational way.
• Be
Supportive.
Offer
reassurance
and
encouragement to each other. Also, let your
partner know when you need their support. Healthy
relationships are about building each other up, not
putting each other down.
•
Respect Each Other’s Privacy. Just because you’re
in a relationship doesn’t mean you have to share
everything and constantly be together. Healthy
relationships require space.
Healthy Boundaries
Creating boundaries is a good way to keep your
relationship healthy and secure. By setting boundaries
together, you can both have a deeper understanding of
the type of relationship that you and your partner want.
Boundaries are not meant to make you feel trapped or like
you’re “walking on eggshells.” Creating boundaries is not
a sign of secrecy or distrust — it’s an expression of what
makes you feel comfortable and what you would like or
not like to happen within the relationship.
Remember, healthy boundaries shouldn’t restrict your
ability to:
•
Go out with your friends without your partner.
•
Participate in activities and hobbies you like.
•
Not have to share passwords to your email, social
media accounts or phone.
•
Respect each other’s individual likes and needs.
Healthy Relationship Boosters
Even healthy relationships can use a boost now and then.
You may need a boost if you feel disconnected from your
partner or like the relationship has gotten stale. If so, find
a fun, simple activity you both enjoy, like going on a walk,
and talk about the reasons why you want to be in the
relationship. Then, keep using healthy behaviors as you
continue dating.
If you’re single (and especially if you’re a single parent),
don’t worry if you need a boost too! Being single can be
the best and worst feeling, but remember relationships
don’t just include your significant other and you. Think
about all the great times you’ve had with your parents,
siblings, friends, children, other family members, etc..
Try going out with the people you love and care about the
most — watch movies together, go out to eat, take a day
off from your busy life and just enjoy being you! If it helps,
also talk about your feelings about the relationships in
your life. If you just want them to listen, start by telling
them that. Then ask what makes relationships good and
what makes them bad? Along the way, if you need advice,
feel free to contact us. We’re here to help 24/7.
control, not equality and respect. In the early stages of
an abusive relationship, you may not think the unhealthy
behaviors are a big deal. However, possessiveness, insults,
jealous accusations, yelling, humiliation, pulling hair,
pushing or other abusive behaviors, are — at their root —
exertions of power and control. Remember that abuse is
always a choice and you deserve to be respected. There is
no excuse for abuse of any kind.
If you think your relationship is unhealthy, it’s important
to think about your safety now. Consider these points as
you move forward:
•
Understand that a person can only change if they
want to. You can’t force your partner to alter their
behavior if they don’t believe they’re wrong.
• Focus on your own needs. Are you taking care of
yourself? Your wellness is always important. Watch
your stress levels, take time to be with friends, get
enough sleep. If you find that your relationship is
draining you, consider ending it.
• Connect with your support systems. Often, abusers
try to isolate their partners. Talk to your friends,
family members, teachers and others to make sure
you’re getting the emotional support you need.
Remember, our advocates are always ready to talk
if you need a listening ear.
• Think about breaking up. Remember that
you deserve to feel safe and accepted in your
relationship.
And don’t forget, the relationship you can always boost
up is the one you have with yourself! Even though you cannot change your partner, you can
make changes in your own life to stay safe. Consider
leaving your partner before the abuse gets worse.
Whether you decide to leave or stay, make sure to use
our safety planning tips to stay safe. Remember, you
have many options — including obtaining a domestic
violence restraining order. Laws vary from state to state
so chat with a peer advocate to learn more.
What Isn’t a Healthy Relationship?
Relationships that are not healthy are based on power and If you are still unsure whether you’re in a healthy
relationship, our Healthy Relationships Quiz can help you.