By Taylor Gabbey, HRI Graduate Assistant Valentine’s Day is a time of affection. Romantic partners spend additional time together, and friends and family exchange small gifts to show their appreciation. While the season is full of fun ways to show
The Greatest Relationships
“The greatest relationships are built on teamwork, mutual respect, a healthy dose of admiration, and a never-ending portion of love and grace.” – Fawn Weaver
Be Yourself!
In healthy relationships, both people feel comfortable to be themselves! When you feel like you’re free to be your authentic self, you can develop a stronger, more genuine connection in your relationships.
Show Appreciation for Your Partner!
Showing appreciation is an important part of building healthy relationships and strengthening your connection with your partner! When you notice your partner doing something kind or thoughtful for you, praise them and show gratitude for their efforts. This will
Validation Promotes Emotional Security
Validation means recognizing and accepting your loved ones’ thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You don’t have to agree or even completely understand where someone is coming from to provide validation. Instead, validation communicates to others, “I see you, hear you, and
Build Each Other Up!
In healthy relationships, partners aim to build each other up! Provide gratitude, encouragement, and love to your partner as often as you can!
Healthy Relationships are Unique
Romantic relationships are exciting and complicated. Just like every person is unique, every relationship has its own quirks and pacing–basically its own life cycle. Maybe your relationship didn’t move through these stages in order, and that’s okay! Some couples become
Healthy Relationships at Different Stages: Long-Term Relationships
Long-term relationships are wonderful; they bring a consistent source of support and affection, and provide a unique form of companionship different from other relationships. They are also a lot of work to maintain. Long-term partners are with us through major
Healthy Relationships at Different Stages: Getting Serious
There comes a point in committed relationships where partners begin to consider their future as a couple. Often referred to as “getting serious,” this can be a period full of exciting firsts! Maybe this is when the first “I love
Healthy Relationships at Different Stages: Defining the Relationship
It’s an inevitable question in any romantic relationship: “What are we?” Defining the relationship can look like different things to different people. Maybe it’s becoming monogamous as a couple, using labels like “girlfriend” and “boyfriend,” or beginning to think of