What exactly constitutes a "healthy relationship"? There are many aspects that need to be present in order to get the right balance. Relationships with your friends can get difficult at times, but it is always important to make sure that you do what you can to make sure that you help each other out. Some elements that need to be present in friendships include: Open lines of communication – You must feel that you can talk to the other person about anything, and you must be open to listening to whatever the other person has to say. Say how you feel, but also listen and take into consideration how the other person is feeling. Trust – Trust is a huge part of any relationship. Anyone involved in the relationship must feel that they can trust the other person and not have to second guess anything. Honesty – Honesty is a must in any relationship. If you can’t be honest with the other person involved, then the relationship won’t work. You must always be open and honest with each other about everything. Don’t be afraid of saying “no” – You should never feel like you can’t say "no". The other person involved in the relationship should always respect your decision. Don’t give into peer pressure – Don’t ever feel as though you have to do something that you aren’t comfortable doing. You can say "no" or remove yourself from the situation. Keep your friends from giving into peer pressure – You shouldn’t allow the other person in the relationship to give into peer pressure when you know they don’t want to or would never do what they are being asked to do. Forgiveness – Both people involved in the relationship need to be able to forgive. Everyone makes mistakes, but if you can’t forgive each other, it may be the end of the relationship. Similar Morals – It helps to have a relationship with someone who has similar morals as you. This makes communication easier which in turn will make the relationship less problematic. When just one of these elements is missing, it can make for a large strain on your relationship or friendship with someone. Both sides need to work to make sure that each person is happy. If one person isn’t happy, the relationship or friendship just won’t work. 7 Ways to know if your friends really care about you They are interested in your well being and not in what you might give them or do to them They listen and care about what you have to say They are happy for you when you do well They say they are sorry when they make a mistake They don’t expect you to be perfect They give you advice in a caring way They respect your privacy 5 ways to tell if you have a healthy relationship with someone Open lines of communication You feel good about yourself when you are around that person You think that there is an equal amount of give and take You feel safe around the other person You enjoy spending time with the other person You feel that you can trust him/her with your secrets Sponsored by the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead Crisis Phone: 701-293-7273 Fax: 701-293-9424 Email: crisis@raccfm.com

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