Characteristics of a Healthy and Enjoyable Friendship or Dating Relationship
Honesty & Trust Giving real compliments Discussing problems Using “I” messages to share feelings Asking for what we want, not expecting they owe it to us Admitting mistakes Asking (not accusing) each other about rumors
Emotional Respect Disagreeing without put-downs or threats Respecting their right to be safe and to control their own body and decisions Trying to understand their feelings, even if we disagree with their ideas Caring to find out their point-of-view
Listening Asking what they think and how they feel Empathizing by putting ourselves in their shoes; guessing what they feel Saying what we think we heard to check for understanding Asking what is important to them
Freedom & Encouragement We have the right to our own, and support each other’s rights to have, opinions, feelings, space, activities, friends, and dreams Expressing fears, instead of claiming ownership, when jealous Either person can decide to breakup
Sharing Activities Hanging out together sometimes Doing things each person enjoys Encouraging each other’s enjoyment and success Learning from each other
Kindness Helping each other (while respecting our own limits) Giving gifts sincerely, not to get something back; the thought, not the $ counts Showing our care through consistent respect (not abuse followed by apologies)
Mutual Affection Telling things that we like and appreciate about each other Each decides if, how, and when we want to be to touched; checking to insure affection is mutual Respecting each other’s values, property, bodies, pace, & limits; stopping if one says, “No”
Shared Decision-making Deciding things together, not ordering Negotiating differences Splitting costs fairly Searching for win-win solutions Whoever pays, no one owes anyone kisses, touching, or anything else
Content provided with permission from Liz Claiborne, Inc.
For more information or to discuss relationship concerns please contact Partners Employee Assistance Program at 1-866-724-4EAP.
In case of emergency please call 911 or your local hospital emergency service.
This content was last modified on: 06/08/2017
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