V-Day is tomorrow, so of course we’re thinking about relationships. They can be one of the best, and most challenging, parts of our young lives. They can be fun, exciting and intense, but full of heartache too.

As eager as you may be to become a part of a pair – especially right about now – be on the alert for some of these warning signs (Doh.), and learn how to recognize what a healthy relationship looks, and feels like (Do!).

A good relationship should bring out the best in both of you!

#1 Like me.

DOH.
Does your date or crush criticize what you do, what you like, or even how you dress? Do you feel like you have to change who you are to get, or keep their attention? Wait a second. You’re allowed to be your own self!		 DO!
Good relationships – of the romantic and friendship varieties – consist of mutual respect and acceptance. You should be encouraging each other to be the best version of yourselves, not someone else.


#2 Find a balance.

DOH.
Relationships require a little give and take. But that doesn’t mean one of you does all the giving, and the other one all the taking. Do you only do the things they want to do? Only go places they like? Or only hang out with their friends? Relationships take balance.		 DO!
A healthy relationship means taking an interest in each other’s interests. If you’re interests are totally incompatible, maybe you’re incompatible. It’s OK to keep looking.


#3 It takes two.

DOH.
So you and your s.o. are totally great together. So great, in fact, that you’ve practically merged into one single being. Has he swapped his hobbies for yours, or visa versa? Rearranged class schedules just to see more of each other? You feel totally lost when he or she isn’t there? Uh-oh. Where did YOU go?		 DO!
It’s nice that you totally get each other, but we all need a little “me” space. It’s okay, normal and healthy to have your own interests. After all, you’re still figuring out who you are and what you like – if you change everything just to echo your s.o., you could be missing out on discovering some pretty great things about yourself. It’s how you compliment each other – not mirror each other – that makes a relationship interesting!


#4 Hold the drama.

DOH.
As you’re building a relationship, and making yourself vulnerable, you might hit a few road bumps along the way. That’s natural. But if you’re arguing everyday, or caught in an endless cycle of break-ups and make-ups, it’s probably time to step back and get a fresh perspective.		 DO!
Drama may fuel your passions in the short-term, but long-term success is built on honesty and trust. Roller coasters can be fun, but they’re only meant for a short ride.


#5 Hold the change.

DOH.
It’s admirable to be the agent of positive change in someone’s life. Like we’ve said, healthy relationships should bring out the best in each of you. BUT, if making the relationship work means “fixing” him or her, be careful. You don’t want to be the one who ends up getting broken.		 DO!
Pay attention, guys and gals. A good relationship is built on trust, mutual respect, balanced give-and-takes, and healthy emotional growth. If an s.o. can’t hold up their end of the bargain, don’t spin your wheels hoping you can mold them into someone they aren’t, or aren’t yet ready to become. Maybe they really could use your positive influence in their life, but if the nature of the relationship is jeopardizing your safety and wellbeing, you have to draw the line!


#6 Why the rush?

DO, DO, DO!!!
Whether you are in the perf relationship, or single and ready to mingle, the job of defining yourself and making decisions for yourself is still YOURS. There is so. much. time. to figure out dating and to find that special someone. Focus on finding yourself first!