Keeping It Sexy & Safe

No relationship is perfect all the time. In a healthy relationship, both people feel good about the relationship most of the time. There are many things we can do to build healthy relationships. Remember that in any relationship, both people must be willing to put in the effort. One person cannot build a great relationship alone.

Here are our top ten tips:

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1. Love yourself. You’ll be a happier partner. It is important that you are comfortable with yourself. Know your own strengths and be proud of them.

2. Share your feelings and listen to your partner’s. If you are upset or concerned, talk about it. Working through difficult situations builds trust and helps make relationships even stronger. Also, remember to share when something your partner does makes you happy.

3. Be honest and expect honesty. We need to be truthful with each other about what we do, think, and feel.

4. If you want to know what is on your partner's mind — ask. Be ready to listen to what they have to say. Sometimes people assume they know what someone else is thinking or feeling.

5. Spend time on your own and let your partner do the same. Sometimes people think a healthy relationship means spending all your time together. It is actually healthier for people to spend time with different people than with just one person. That way they can develop their own interests and talents and grow as individuals.

6. It’s OK to have disagreements. Partners often have different desires, opinions, and ideas. They have the right to think differently. Partners need to respect each other’s unique points of view.

7. Forgive and expect forgiveness. No one is perfect, and making mistakes is a normal part of life. If we apologize and are forgiven, we can move on.

8. Help your partner feel good about her- or himself and expect the same in return. Partners need to acknowledge each other's efforts and accomplishments.

9. Communicate openly and honestly about sex. This is the only way your partner will really know what is comfortable for you and what gives you pleasure. We should have each other's consent for sex every time, and we should never use pressure to get consent. We should share in the responsibility of guarding ourselves and our partners against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection.

10. Take care of your sexual health. In a healthy relationship, both partners want to protect their sexual health. Getting checkups for STDs and practicing safer sex are important. Make an appointment at your local Planned Parenthood health center to get birth control or STD tests.