Writing Tips

Writing Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships vs. Abuse

Healthy

Respect: Each person values who the other is and understands the other person's boundaries.  

Good Communication: Each partner should speak honestly and openly to avoid miscommunication. If one person needs to sort out his or her feelings first, the other partner should respect those wishes and wait until he or she is ready to talk.

Compromise: In a dating relationship, each partner does not always get his or her way. Each should acknowledge different points of view and be willing to give and take. 

Honesty: The foundation of trust in a relationship. When you're always honest with someone, it tells them that they can trust you and the things you say in addition to strengthening a relationship . It helps them know they can believe your promises and commitments. 

Trust: Partners should place trust in each other and give each other the benefit of the doubt. It is also necessary for a relationship to thrive and function.

Individuality: Neither partner should have to compromise who he/she is, and his/her identity should not be based on a partner's. Each should continue seeing his or her friends and doing the things he/she loves. Each should be supportive of his/her partner wanting to pursue new hobbies or make new friends.

Anger control:  We all get angry, but how we express it can affect our relationships with others. Anger can be handled in healthy ways such as taking a deep breath, counting to ten, writing, or talking it out.

Fighting fair: Everyone argues at some point, but those who are fair, stick to the subject, and avoid insults are more likely to come up with a possible solution. Partners should take a short break away from each other if the discussion gets too heated. 

Problem solving: Dating partners can learn to solve problems and identify new solutions by breaking a problem into small parts or by talking through the situation. 

Understanding: Each partner should take time to understand what the other might be feeling.

Self-confidence: When dating partners have confidence in themselves, it can help their relationships with others. It shows that they are calm and comfortable enough to allow others to express their opinions without forcing their own opinions on them. 

Being a role model: By embodying what respect means, partners can inspire each other, friends, and family to also behave in a respectful way. 

Healthy sexual relationship: Dating partners engage in a sexual relationship that both are comfortable with, and neither partner feels pressured or forced to engage in sexual activity that is outside his or her comfort zone or without consent.

Open Communication: Emphasize the importance of honest and open communication. Show how one partner shares their struggles with depression or stress and how the other listens without judgment. This could be illustrated in a scene where a character feels overwhelmed and confides in their partner, who responds with empathy and understanding.

Encouraging Professional Help: A healthy relationship recognizes when professional help is needed. Show a partner encouraging the other to seek therapy or counseling, offering to accompany them to appointments, or helping them research options.

Managing Stress Together: Depict the couple working together to manage stress. This could involve setting boundaries to avoid burnout, prioritizing self-care, and ensuring that they both take time to relax and unwind.

Understanding and Patience: Show the importance of patience and understanding. A partner may need extra time, space, or support during a depressive episode or stressful period. The other partner's ability to offer that without resentment is key to maintaining a healthy relationship.