During our lives we experience many different types of relationships - some may last a lifetime while others come and go. Relationships will also mean different things to different people. No two are the same!
You may form relationships with family and friends and bonds with others such as teachers, doctors or colleagues. Although relationships can bring you love, pleasure and great happiness, it’s not always plane sailing when it comes to your personal partners – girlfriends and boyfriends.
It’s obvious that you’ll want want personal relationships with your partner to be positive and healthy. That’s where our team at Caledonia Youth can help. We provide you with the information, advice and skills that can help you build and maintain healthy relationships.
Managing relationships
Good communication is essential for building a positive, healthy relationship. It’s a two way process and important for both people to make an effort. Being confident, negotiating – talking things over - and actively listening to each other are all important when communicating.
Sure, relationships don’t always run smoothly. Although there is no single approach that leads to a positive relationship, there are certain qualities that can cause your relationships to be either healthy or unhealthy for you.
Check out our Hot Tips on the right of the page where we highlight some characteristics that signal healthy and unhealthy relationships.
If relationships have unhealthy qualities, this can cause a real strain and make them more difficult. Often things can be worked out but if you are being bullied, hurt, or pressured into something, then it is important to take action - tell someone you know and trust right now! And don’t blame yourself! Or if you know someone in this situation, help them take action.
Characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships
Healthy Relationships
- Trust
- Communication
- Support
- Respect
- Compromise
- Interests
- Fun
- Honesty
- Support
Unhealthy Relationships
- Physical and/or Mental Abuse
- Lack of Communication
- Jealousy
- No Respect
- Manipulation
- Nothing in Common
- Guilt
- Coercion
- Secrets
Remember - never accept violence, threats or bullying!
Sometimes relationships end, even when we may not want them to. On the other hand you may be the one ending the relationship. Try to always consider how the other person might be feeling at this time, and have the confidence to end the relationship without hurting yourself or others.
Want to find out more on bullying and view a video? Check it out: Where to go for help?
Dealing with issues that may crop up in a relationship can be difficult for loads of people. It can often help to talk to someone about this, whether that’s a family member, friend or a professional such as one of our team at Caledonia Youth.
Check it out: