Harvard studied happiness for 75-years and said without doubt …
"Good relationships keep us happier and healthier."
Relationships change and develop as we do and through all of the different changes we make, our relationships will change too.
Good relationships with family, friends and partners don’t always just happen.
It can take some Smart Moves to keep your relationships healthy!
Relationships aren't always easy!
So it is important to spend time thinking about what you think is ok or not ok for you in friendships, family & romantic relationships.
Maybe you've seen others in a relationship that you really admire and want to have some of those elements in your relationships.
Or maybe you've some that you really haven't liked and want to avoid repeating experiences.
This 'list' may develop over time as you meet new people and have new experiences.
These form your personal boundaries, the rules in your head about what is ok and what isn’t ok. When we are clear about them we have better relationships.
Being assertive rather than passive or aggressive creates more healthy relationships.
What are your Relationship Rights?
How does respecting each other’s boundaries create healthier relationships?
Think about how your boundaries change with different situations and circumstances?
I have the right to
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Say I don’t know
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Change my mind
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Ask for help
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Say I don’t understand
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Express my thoughts, feelings and beliefs.
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Stand up for myself
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Set my priorities
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Make mistakes
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Be myself
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Be treated with respect
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Say NO
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My needs are as important as someone else's.
Remember...other people have these rights too.
What are your Relationship Values?
Loyalty or Laughter?
Commitment or Kind?
Genuine or Generous?
All of the above?
Use the quiz below to help you think through your top values in a relationship
Healthy Romantic relationships include the right to say no to physical and sexual intimacy.
Watch the clip below on what it means to consent
How do we know if our relationship is healthy or not? The good people at Loveisrespect.org have created a handy quiz - try it
Having boundaries that are not too porous or too rigid will help keep your relationships healthy.
Strengthen your boundaries using the guide below
Step 1: Notice your feelings and when something doesn't feel OK.
Step 2: Stop and identify what has happened that doesn’t feel OK for you.
Step 3: Speak up or take action
Step 4: Be Assertive.
Step 5: Take care of yourself.