Communication is an important part of a healthy relationship. It means being able to tell your partner how you feel, what you need, what you believe and what you want without feeling judged, guilty or ashamed. It also means listening to and understanding your partner’s feelings, needs, beliefs and desires.
It takes time and practice for two people to learn to communicate. It’s often the most difficult part of a relationship, but it can be the glue that keeps people together because it allows the relationship to keep growing through mutual respect.
If you start to feel uninterested or nervous about speaking honestly and sharing your feelings, needs, beliefs and desires, it may be time to consider if this relationship is still right for you. Communication is about being honest. Just like you can be honest when you begin to really like someone, you can also be honest when you think the relationship is no longer right for you.
How can you tell if someone might become abusive in a relationship? What are some of the effects of abuse?
The answer to this question isn’t clear-cut. It’s really hard to tell up front whether someone might become abusive.…Read FAQ »
My partner is pressuring me to take drugs or get drunk before we have sex. What should I do? What should I say?
Alcohol can make someone feel less uncomfortable and less inhibited—which can be really bad in a sexual situation. Ask…Read FAQ »