- Don’t lie
If you feel the need to lie, just know it will only make your life harder. You need to learn to accept all flaws in your partner, even if the truth hurts. No one is perfect. Honesty is so key to a healthy relationship, and if you love someone, you’ll be honest even if it’s scary.
- Don’t change anything about yourself unless you want the change
Don’t fall down that rabbit hole! First it’s the color of your nail polish, then suddenly you don’t know what you like anymore. I know that sounds dramatic but it happens way too often. Your opinion of yourself comes first and foremost.
- Don’t tell everyone your business
I have known (and been) the person who shares every detail of their relationship with friends. If and when you disagree with your partner, know that sharing it publicly opens you up to judgment and criticism. You might lose friends or scare people away, so be careful who you talk to and what you say. Remember that your partner’s privacy is a concern too.
- Have hard conversations in person or over the phone
Texting about serious stuff sucks. Tone is always lost and nine times out of 10 it sparks an argument. Talking over the phone forces you to listen and speak and hear where the other person is coming from.
- An apology without action is manipulation
When your partner tells you something bothers them, genuinely listen. And when apologizing, don’t say sorry unless you mean it. A fake apology where you repeat the same behavior will drive the other person crazy.
- Put in more effort
Guys, you’re not 45. Don’t reduce your relationship to lying around and indirectly referring to them as “the old ball and chain”. You’re young! Go on dates, buy her flowers, make handmade gifts, and flirt with each other. A lack of excitement is not good in high school, you want to have fun, so do it!
