The Mix recommends these steps to developing and maintaining healthy relationships, regardless of who it's with:
- Accept differences – not everyone will think, feel or behave like you. This is not a bad thing.
- Maintain a capacity for boundaries – understand that the other person cannot solve all your problems or meet all your needs, and that you can't do this for them either.
- Share positive feelings – people respond much better to positive reinforcement so try not to focus only on the negatives.
- Love yourself – be your own friend and show kindness and respect to yourself.
- Quality time – set aside quality time for your relationship, regardless of what stage it is.
- Accept change – life changes and people change. It can be uncomfortable, but change provides opportunities for growth, and adapting to change enables greater intimacy and deeper relationships.
- Communicate well – learning to say openly and honestly what you think and feel, and listening to the other person doing the same is vital for relationships to thrive.
- Fight fairly – focus on the problem, not the person. Deal with one issue at a time, stay present i.e. do not talk about past issues, and acknowledge the other person, especially if they make a valid point.
- Take time out – agree a time out method (not just walking away) where each of you can pause and reconsider what to say.
- Work out different solutions – consider alternatives together, and restate things you agree with clearly.
External support
You can access specialist information and support with relationships from the following:
- Relate UK offer relationship support to people of all ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities to strengthen their relationships. They have self-help resources, a live chat, and offer counselling services.
- The Mix has a dedicated and comprehensive ‘Sex and Relationships’ section for young people looking to have better relationships with their partners, friends and family.
- That Guy - for men, about healthy attitudes towards women and education about violence against women.
- SafeLives Resource Pack - a toolkit for discussing and exploring healthy relationships for young people
- Maintaining healthy relationships and mental wellbeing - NHS advice
Support at LSBU
You can always speak with a Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisor if you are concerned about your relationship/s: What happens in a Mental Health and Wellbeing appointment?
For further information on LSBU’s policies and procedures please see the webpage Preventing and Responding to Student Harassment And Sexual Misconduct | London South Bank University
For more information, please see these FAQ's:
I think I'm in an unhealthy relationship. Where can I get support?
What is Report and Support?
I am feeling stressed. What might help?
