Relationships 101
Love and Relationships
Relationships are a big part of a meaningful life. They can also be tricky to navigate. At Parkridge, we have licensed professional counselors on staff. We asked our counselors to share some of their best advice. Here’s what they said:
Relationships 101
Choose a partner wisely and well.
Know your partner's beliefs about relationships. Different people have different and often conflicting beliefs about relationships.
Don't confuse sex with love. Especially in the beginning of a relationship, attraction and pleasure in sex are often mistaken for love.
Know your needs and speak up for them clearly. A relationship is not a guessing game.
Respect, respect, respect. Inside and outside the relationship, act in ways so that your partner maintains respect for you. Mutual respect is essential to a good relationship.
Communication: If you don't understand or like something your partner is doing, ask about it and why he or she is doing it. Talk and explore, don't assume.
Listen, truly listen, to your partner's concerns and complaints without judgment. Much of the time, just having someone listen is all we need for solving problems. Plus, listening builds trust and empathy which are crucial components to healthy relationships.
Apologize. Anyone can make a mistake. Apologies can be clumsy or funny, even sarcastic. Couples who attempt to repair the conflict are more likely to report happiness in their overall relationship.
Enrich your relationship by developing your own interests and hobbies. The more passions in life that you have and share, the richer your relationship will be. It is unrealistic to expect one person to meet all of your needs.
Stay open to spontaneity.
Recognize that all relationships have their ups and downs and do not ride at a continuous high all the time. Working together through the hard times can make the relationship stronger.
Not sure if your current relationship is a healthy one? Click here to read more!
And one last quick reminder - a healthy relationship is only possible if both people are emotionally healthy. Click here to read more about emotional wellness.
Parkridge
At Parkridge we often serve clients who need pregnancy testing, STD testing or treatment, or options education, but we also provide counselling. Counseling can include a variety of things, but clients often request assistance with relationships. If you think you may need one of these services, please schedule an appointment today by clicking here or calling: 806.794.8555.
Resources:
Relationship Rules. Psychology Today. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200410/relationship-rules
