Healthy Relationships © Lisa Michalek

Improving Communication Become a better listener Focus on the speaker Avoid interruptions Avoid focusing on the speakers habits Demonstrate understanding Avoid challenging the speaker or becoming defensive Use “I” messages Avoid generalities, be more specific

Improving Communication Speak honestly Speak respectfully Pay attention to how the other person is responding to you Be careful of non-verbal messages Looking at your watch Pointing fingers Rolling your eyes

Characteristics of Good Friendships Mutual Assistance Confiding Understanding Spontaneity Enjoyment Acceptance Trust Respect

Characteristics of Love Relationships Fascination Exclusiveness Sexual desire Sacrifice Being a supporter Intimacy Passion Commitment

Jealousy in Relationships Often a sign of an underlying problem Causes Overdependence Low Self-esteem Fear of losing control

Healthy Relationships Trust – confidence in relationship Predictability Dependability Faith Shared Activities Special places Rituals Private jokes