The Do's And Don'ts Of Relationships

Lauren Brennan, Dayle Mueller, Ericka Arteaga, Jocelyne Lopez

1. DON'T: criticize your partner

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For example, instead of yelling at your partner for leaving dishes in the sink, discuss how you want dishes to be put in the dishwasher.

2. DON'T: have contempt

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This is holding on to negative feelings about your partner. This can be anything from hostile jokes, to name calling, to mocking facial expressions.

3. DON'T: be defensive

It can be hard to always want to win an arguement but making excuses, denying responsibility, and tossing back insults can actually hurt your relationship.

4. DON'T: give the silent treatment

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It's plain and simple: in order to make a relationship work you have to talk, and sooner is better than later.

5. DO: communicate with your partner

What you say and how you say it matters. It's cliche but it's the truth. You want to think about how you are making your partner feel.

6. DO: be open

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Be clear about what you want. You should feel comfortable opening up to the person you're with, if not figure it out or gtfo.

7. DO: be willing to compromise

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Arguments can still happen even if you are being open with your partner. The best way to solve an issue can be to meet in the middle.

8. DO: establish ground rules

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Lay out a game plan before committing to someone. Knowing each other's values will make it easier down the road when you make the big decisions.