Healthy Relationships
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- Secure your center.
Make sure you feel cool and collected. If you’re centered, you’ll be able to think more clearly. - Ask clarifying questions.
Ask honest and open questions. Don’t jump to conclusions. Consider that the conflict might be a misunderstanding. - Find out what your partner’s feelings are.
Ask your partner how he or she feels about the situation… hurt, depressed, confused or angry? - Express your feelings.
Let your partner know how you feel. Be honest and specific. Use “I statements.” - Determine what’s important to you.
In every situation there are things you cannot compromise. These things may be important to your self-esteem, your confidence, your safety, or your happiness. Think about how you want to be treated by a dating partner. Know what you can compromise without regret and what you must protect. - Acknowledge what’s important to your partner.
Your partner will have things that she or he isn’t willing to compromise as well. With other things she or he may be more flexible. Let your partner know that you understand that _________ is very important to her or him. Simply by showing someone you hear her or him, you can improve communication. - Think about your similarities and differences.
Compare your feelings and what’s important to you with the other person’s feelings and what’s important to him or her. Determine where you agree and where you disagree. Think about why you disagree. - Exchange ideas for a possible solution.
With all of this information, think about the possible solutions.
