A Recipe for a Healthy Relationship

Ingredients to build a healthy relationship:

• Add a dash of sharing your day with each other
• Add plenty of daily cuddle time
• Generously mix in some expression of appreciation
for each other
• Add toleration for what your partner can’t change
• Sparingly stir in complaining, but do not blame
• Add lots of clearly expressing your needs
• Measure in sharing activities with each other
• Make sure to always discuss your problems and
concerns, so that they don’t bubble up
• Sift out harsh judgment and criticism
• Make sure not to take the relationship for granted
• Top with loving your partner for who he/she is,
not your idealization of him/her

Myths about the Perfect Relationship

Many people have expectations of relationships that are unrealistic. Here are common relationship myths:

Love means ….
• you should always be able to anticipate my thoughts, feelings and needs
• you should always make me happy
• never having to be angry or upset with each other
• always wanting to be together
• you will always respect, understand and accept me no matter what I might do
• our level of affection and commitment must never decline
• we must always be in agreement with one another
• you will fulfill all my dreams

(Remember these are MYTHS!!)

Counseling Services
Top Floor, Snow Health Center
Eastern Michigan University
734.487.1118

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