Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Defining a romantic relationship
• Part 2 of 3: Recognizing a healthy relationship
• Part 3 of 3: Understanding types of relationships

Humans are social animals, and most of us crave close relationships with other people. Relationships require a lot of work and a lot of communication, but it can still be difficult to understand what someone else is thinking. In this article, you can find out where you are in a romantic relationship. This also allows you to gain more insight into the different types of relationships as well as learn to recognize the characteristics of a healthy relationship of any kind.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Defining a romantic relationship

1. Decide when it is time to talk. If you spend a lot of time with someone and you think you may develop romantic feelings for that person, but you are not sure if those feelings are mutual, it may be time to have a conversation where you 'define the relationship' . This is that big milestone in a relationship where both people decide whether they are just friends, or more than that - and what that means more than exactly.
   • Often times it is impossible to understand where you are in a romantic relationship unless you start talking about it. This can convey your feelings and move you from "regular friends" to "dating" or "being a couple."
   • It may be time for this conversation if you are considering dating other people, or if you notice that the relationship is becoming (or already is) more intimate.
2. Talk to your friend privately. A conversation about the status of your relationship is not something to be dealt with via text messages or in a group. It's best to have important conversations in person so you can gauge the other person's response.
   • Sometimes it is okay to have a conversation in writing, for example if you are very shy or afraid of putting the other person on the spot. In these situations, you express your feelings in a letter, instead of typing or texting them. This really allows you to convey your feelings in a personal way, while still having the option to customize your words before sending or giving the letter.
3. Express your feelings. Tell the other person about your feelings for him or her and ask if it is mutual. There is no need to ask the other for a vow. You can ask your friend what they think about your time together to find out if there is any interest in being more than "just" friends.
   • When telling someone how you feel about them for the first time, avoid overly dramatic or romantic statements. While it may seem cute in a movie, you put someone on the block when you declare love when the other thought you were only friends. It's better to be honest with a little reserve if you think you're falling in love with that friend.
   • Say something like, "I love spending so much time together.Is it just me, or are there some confusing feelings going on here? I believe I have come to regard you as more than a friend. How's that for you? "
4. Give your friend time to think. If your boyfriend didn't know that you have feelings for him or her, your conversation about the status of your relationship may come as a surprise. Give your friend time to process this information and sort out their own feelings, instead of expecting an immediate answer about how they are feeling.
   • In certain situations (for example, if you've been intimate), you might ask about the other person's intentions before you decide to go through with it. But if you've been regular friends up to this point, the other person will likely need time to digest this news.

Part 2 of 3: Recognizing a healthy relationship

1. Get to know the expectations of the other. In any relationship, each participant should know what the expectations are to avoid using or neglecting feelings.
   • When you're dating, it's important that both partners think the same about things like how often you see each other, how often you talk or text each other, how intimate you are, and whether or not you date other people.
   • In relationships, marriage, and your job, it is important to understand everyone's roles and responsibilities to avoid resentment and confusion.
2. Communicate effectively and openly. Any relationship can be improved just by improving communication. Unfortunately, as they grow up, most people don't learn how to communicate effectively, so it can be difficult to have important conversations or stand up for yourself if there is no concerted effort to learn the basics of effective communication.
   • Within a relationship, you should handle conflict and disagreement with the idea that you are a team. Rather than viewing a disagreement as your chance to win a discussion or prove a point, try to see it as a challenge to come up with a positive solution for everyone.
   • Don't sit around negative feelings for too long without expressing them to your partner. This can eventually make you angry. If you find yourself feeling angry or sad about the relationship, think about why you feel that way and then talk to your partner about it. Let him or her know how you feel and what you think might help.
3. Balance your own needs with those of your partner. We are often told to put other people's needs before our own, and being selfless in a relationship can be a great quality. However, you should not sacrifice your own needs or happiness to provide for someone else's. Burnout and disappointment will eventually result.
   • Take the time to recharge when you need it. It's okay to go out alone with your friends for an evening, or spend an evening alone to read, whenever you want.
   • Don't be afraid to tell your partner what your wishes are.
4. Watch for signs of dysfunction. Relationships of all shapes and sizes can make you feel good about yourself and make you happy that you know the other person. Sometimes, however, relationships can become a burden and even affect your state of mind. If your relationship is dysfunctional, it may be time to cut ties or seek counseling. Pay attention to the following warning signs in your relationship:
   • One person has more power or control in a relationship than another, and demands that the other person do what he or she says or wants. This may include limiting who the other person interacts with, how the other person spends money, or how intimately they interact with each other.
   • One person (or both) becomes emotionally manipulative and tries to force the other to react by creating feelings of guilt, pity, or jealousy.
   • One person is a giver and the other person is a taker. For example, a friend can always expect you to drop your plans for theirs, help them out, or be intimate without any commitment.

Part 3 of 3: Understanding types of relationships

1. Know that a relationship can mean different things to different people. As we move through life we ​​will meet a variety of people and build intricate, personal relationships with them. There are different types of relationships such as friendly, work, romantic and family relationships.
   • It's important to remember that relationships are as individual and different as the people who make up them. There are different expectations in every relationship. Sometimes these expectations become clear by talking about them, but other times there are just unspoken rules that develop when people spend time together.
2. Learn about types of friendships. Friendships are platonic, meaning sexual intimacy is involved. These relationships meet our needs as humans to interact with other people we feel related to and who make us feel valuable, safe, and valued for who we are.
   • Some relationships involve ordinary "acquaintances" and people you meet in the hallway and smile or say "hello". Acquaintances help you to feel connected to the outside world, but are generally people you do not call to do something together. The only expectation you have of your everyday acquaintances is courtesy.
   • Other relationships are just friends. You may have met them by chance (for example, because you are in the same class) and do things together regularly, based on shared interests or a common schedule. You may talk to these people about superficial topics, but you probably don't know much about them as individuals.
   • More intimate friends are the people you trust and want to spend time with when you have a choice. These are the people where you feel like you can be yourself without the pressure of putting pressure on them. Intimate friendships can take a lot of effort to maintain, as each requires each other's attention and time as part of the friendship.
   • Best friends are those close friends who have proven to be faithful, loyal, and trustworthy; these are often relationships that have stood the test of time. Best friends feel like they know each other through and through. Not everyone has or needs best friends, and that's okay too.
3. Understand that good friendships are essential. Friends can range from someone you hang out with for fun, to someone you confide in when you're in trouble or ask for advice when you need it. True friends are an important part of your life because they can teach you more about yourself, help you make good choices, and help you connect with other people.
   • True friends tell each other the truth and want the best for each other. You know when someone isn't really your friend when they're lying to please you, or when they're undermining your efforts or taking no interest in your successes.
   • Friendships can take a lot of work to maintain. Try calling or visiting friends every week just to stay up to date and let them know you're thinking about them.
4. Understand that romantic relationships can be complex. Like friendships, romantic relationships can range from casual to more intimate, depending on how well you know each other and how committed you are to each other (in other words, what expectations you have of each other).
   • Some people like to date casually and spend a lot of time with a lot of different people, maybe even being sexually intimate with a lot of casual partners. This has the advantage of being able to find out what traits are important to you in a romantic partner, and it gives you the chance to develop your communication and other relationship skills without the pressure of having to commit.
   • Other people prefer to bond emotionally with, and be committed to, just one person. Ultimately most people hope to find someone with whom they can eventually enter into a steady relationship or marriage.
5. Learn about work relationships. These are the people we see every day, but you don't necessarily have a good relationship with. These relationships can be very important to your success. If you can build good relationships with the people you work with or the people at school, then you show that you are a team player.
   • Try to treat everyone with respect and kindness, even if they're not someone you'd like to befriend. Your colleagues all have different life experiences that can be helpful in the workplace, so pay attention to everyone's strengths.
   • Sometimes work relationships can overlap with romantic or friendship relationships, which can often be confusing (and in the case of romantic relationships, sometimes it's against the rules of your workplace). Remember to stay professional while at work and treat everyone the same.
6. Familiarize yourself with romantic relationships. Whether dating or marriage, relationships like these can be complicated and difficult to understand.
   • Love relationships give people a chance to open their hearts to someone else and connect with each other on a very intimate level. This person will see the good and bad sides of you and still love you. Communication is key to keeping a romantic relationship healthy and happy.
   • Because of the intimacy of romantic relationships, they can lead to a lot of pain and grief from misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and disappointment. Choose carefully who you open your heart to, but you must also be willing to take some risks in the name of love. Otherwise, you could miss out on a good relationship.
7. Look for quality in every relationship. Depth and sincerity should be the most important. Instead of focusing on too many people coming and going in your life as they please, try to build some good, solid, and rewarding relationships.