Healthy Relationships: Part 2

Starting a romantic relationship can be scary, but it can also be rewarding to develop a deep, personal connection with someone. Before you begin a relationship, there are some questions that you should consider.

 

 

Will I be in a healthy relationship?

 

You’ve already learned what qualities make up a healthy relationship, but have you discussed them with your potential partner? Many relationships become unhealthy because one or both partners disagree on how the relationship should go. One partner may want to spend every waking moment together, while the other may only want to hang out every other weekend. Being open and honest throughout the relationship is the best way to make sure that it starts and stays healthy. If you see any warning signs from your partner that the relationship may start to turn unhealthy, talk with your partner or get advice from a trusted adult as quickly as possible. Don’t wait to have the relationship turn very unhealthy before getting help.

 

 

Will I be a responsible partner?

 

Being a responsible partner yourself is also an important aspect of a healthy relationship. The last thing you want is to be the cause of creating an unhealthy relationship. In order to prevent this, think about what you want out of the relationship and clearly communicate this to your potential partner before starting the relationship. Some people want relationships only for casual sex, while many do not. Also, establishing clear boundaries and communicating them to your partner is critical. For example, do you feel comfortable with holding hands, hugging, and/or kissing in public? Talk about this with your potential partner and set some ground rules. Obviously, as a relationship continues and partners mature, their boundaries may shift. This is perfectly natural, and should be discussed openly. If you do not feel comfortable or safe having these discussions, then perhaps you should not be in a relationship with this person.

 

 

How will I find the right partner?

 

Finding a suitable partner can seem quite challenging, and not finding a suitable partner is one of the most frustrating parts of dating. The reason most people have trouble finding a partner is that they often don’t know what they want. Before you begin dating, take some time to think about what type of person you want to be in a relationship with. For example, do you want someone who is serious or silly? An athlete or a bookworm? Rock music or classical music? Someone who shares all or just some of your interests? Knowing what type of person you want to have for a partner will help you find that person more easily.