Healthy Relationships
What do you need to have a healthy relationship?
Good communication, respect, boundaries, and trust.
Feeling supported
yes or no, sending text every 5 minutes to check where the person is is a sign of a good relationship
no, if you are in a committed relationship with someone you have to learn to trust them.
List an Anger management skill
time out, deep breathing/meditating, taking a time-out to cool down, engaging in physical exercise, and using "I" statements to express feelings without blaming
What are boundaries?
Boundaries are guidelines to help you feel comfortable and safe
What type of boundary is being crossed if a partner constantly checks your phone, demands to know your location, or forces you to share passwords?
Digital/Physical Privacy Boundary
Who should you listen to to know if you are in a good relationship?
your own intuition regarding your feelings of safety, respect, and joy, along with trusted friends/family who observe your partner's behavior objectively
give an example of a unhealthy communication skill
yelling, using manipulation, lying, stonewalling - which involves shutting down, refusing to engage, or giving the silent treatment during a conflict
What is saying no, needing space, or expressing feelings?
An example of a healthy boundary
Yes or No. Does everyone share the same boundaries?
No. Everyone is unique and will decide for themselves what makes them comfortable.
True or False: It is selfish to say "no" to a request from a partner or friend.
False. Saying "no" is essential for maintaining individual identity and preventing resentment.
How much should each person contribute to the relationship?
ideally 100%
How do you help a friend who is in an unhealthy relationship?
Listen to them, tell them that they deserve to be treated better and with respect, encourage them to talk to someone they trust.
if your friend is part of the unhealthy pattern, maintaining the friendship, setting firm boundaries, and gently guiding them toward self-reflection
chemical in the brain that gives pleasure
dopamine/serotonin
How should you establish boundaries?
Talk with the person and explain what the limits are and why they are that way.
clearly communicate your needs
Effective boundaries are direct, respectful, and not designed to punish
True or False: If you explain your boundary well enough, the other person will eventually agree with it
You don't need someone else to agree for a boundary to be valid; they may never agree, but they must still respect it.
Ways you can utilize active listening
maintain eye contact, use reflective listening, treat them respectfully
maintaining eye contact, using open body language (nodding), avoiding interruptions, and summarizing your partner's points to confirm understanding
name two traits of an unhealthy relationship.
anger, co-dependency, apathy, one person constantly doing all the work, control, disrespect, and emotional or physical abuse
True or False -
If your partner truly loves you, they will know what you are thinking without you telling them
False. Clear communication is necessary because partners cannot read minds
What are rigid boundaries?
boundaries where nothing goes in or out.
If a partner is willing to admit when they are wrong and apologize without being prompted, what "flag" are they displaying?
A Green Flag. Taking responsibility for one's actions is a major sign of emotional maturity.
What skills should you use to resolve conflict?
active listening, anger management, compromise, explain your perspective and understand theirs. Emotional intelligence, clear communication, and empathy
define co-dependency
When one person enables the other and is so attached to them that their mental well-being is dependent upon the other person
Where is the decision making part of the brain called?
frontal lobe
True or False: Healthy boundaries mean you must share every detail of your life with your partner to show trust.
False. Healthy boundaries include having separate interests, maintaining privacy, and having time apart
Does setting a boundary typically push people away or bring them closer in a healthy relationship?
It usually increases trust and closeness because it defines the conditions that make the connection feel safe and sustainable