"Communication is Key"

“Communication is key.” This is popular phrase that people say when referring to healthy relationships, but just how important is it? Well, odds are, you are NOT a mind reader and neither is your partner. The fact of the matter is that there is no way to know what someone is thinking unless you are told. Communication one of the most important factors to have in a relationships, whether it is a dating relationship or not. Let’s look at some of the things you should talk about in order to have healthy relationship:

How each of you want to be treated

Is it important that you’re treated with respect and fairness? Tell your partner! Let them know how you are and are not okay with being treated.

What is the proper way to talk to each other

Most people don’t like to be yelled at, talked down too, or any other verbally abusive behavior. If you don’t like that, let your partner know how you would like to be talked to.

What you both want and expect from the relationship

Are you dating them for long term or short term satisfaction? Why do you want to be in a relationship with them, what do you expect to gain from it? It might seem a little weird thinking about this, but communicating this can be very good.

What things upset either of you

Going back to what was said above, odds are that you and your partner are NOT mind readers. If something upsets you, tell your partner because holding in those feelings can cause tension to build up in the relationship. You can only hold so much in until one day you need to let it out. Being honest with your partner from the beginning will help alleviate that tension quicker. The quicker that tension is relieved in a healthy way, the sooner you can go back to maintaining a healthy relationship.

Rights to privacy

By this we mean your rights to privacy when it comes to technology and social media. It’s okay if you don’t want your partner to have your cell phone or social media passwords, and it is also okay if you do want them to have your passwords. Being clear and talking about this can hopefully prevent future conflict on the issue.

Your Boundaries

What things are you and are you not comfortable with? You can talk about physical and sexual boundaries, or emotional and verbal boundaries. Boundaries are there for a reason, so by communicating about those boundaries you can remain comfortable, safe, and healthy in your relationship.

It is so easy to just start yelling at your partner when things don’t happen the way you want or expect them to. Anger and frustration are natural feelings that are often hard to control. It is important to take a deep breath, take some time to think about the situation, and then talk to your partner in a healthy way. Remember, communication really is the key.

-Megan Oleski, Youth Education Specialist