Nice eyes? A great smile? A curly sense of humour? There are a lot of different things that might make you attracted to someone. But having a healthy relationship with your partner is about more than attraction; it requires respect, trust and open communication.
Whether you are looking for a relationship or are already in one, make sure you and your partner agree on what makes a relationship healthy. It is not always easy, but everyone deserves a healthy relationship.
Look for someone who:
- Treats you with respect.
- Doesn’t make fun of things you like or want to do.
- Never puts you down.
- Doesn’t get angry if you spend time with your friends and family.
- Listens to your ideas and is able to compromise with you.
- Isn’t excessively negative.
- Shares some of your interests and supports you in pushing what you love.
- Isn’t afraid to share their thoughts and feelings.
- Is comfortable around your friends and family.
- Is proud of your accomplishments and success.
- Respects your boundaries and does not abuse technology.
- Doesn’t require you to check in or need to know where you are all the time.
- Is caring and honest.
- Doesn’t pressure you to do things that you don’t want to do.
- Doesn’t constantly accuse you of cheating or being unfaithful.
- Encourages you to do well in school or work.
- Doesn’t threaten you or make you feel scared.
- Understands the importance of healthy relationships.
Remember that a relationship consists of two (or more) people. You and your partner should have equal say and should never be afraid to express how you feel. It’s not just about speaking up for yourself, you should also listen to and consider what your partner says.
Every relationship has arguments and disagreements sometimes – this is normal. How you choose to deal with your disagreements is what really counts. Both people should work to communicate effectively.
