We’re in Week 3 of our healthy dating series. Next one up is Keeping In Touch. Thanks to our friends @wscadv for this image to help understand what we’re talking about this week!

Tip 1: It’s important to know what you want out of this relationship & be clear with your partner. Remember, everyone’s needs are going to differ & we need to respect that. This is where compromising is important. Be sure to think about your needs & wants for all your relationships.

Tip 2: It’s not all about you. It’s good to have separate interests, friends, & lives. It’s unhealthy (& exhausting) to put all your energy into one person. Maybe you’ll hang out together 2 times a week, that’s okay! Time boundaries need to be discussed.

Tip 3: Don’t be clingy. It’s nice to get attention from your partner & it’s normal to want a lot of it! But to cling onto someone is actually an unhealthy quality to have in your relationships; it comes from a place of insecurity. You & your partner have to figure out what limits you both need for a healthy relationship.

Tip 4: Conflict Resolution. Conflict is going to come up in every relationship. But don’t worry, conflict is actually healthy! We just need to remember to be respectful and kind to our partners, even when we are upset. If you think it’s too much for you right now, it’s okay to take a break from the conversation. Just tell your partner you need to take some time to calm down, and then you can solve the issue later when everyone is calm.

Tip 5: Be Patient. Everyone wants to feel heard. It’s your role to be a patient listening ear for your partner. In return, your partner will do the same for you. Everyone has bad days, it’s important to support each other.

Tip 6: Be honest. Honesty is one of the qualities nearly every student in our public education program states they want in a relationship. We all want to be able to trust our partner is who they say they are and is a trustworthy person. Plus, lying only gets you into trouble. It can seem like the easiest option at the time but it will only bring you more trouble in the end.

Thanks for reading! Join us for Week 4: Jealousy