First Romantic Relationship

Couples romantic relationship

I’m in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like?  Romantic relationships take work and are not always easy.  Any relationship is fundamentally built on trust.  Without trust the relationship will be shaky and not likely to last.  Romantic relationships, like friendships and family connections should feel mutually respectful.  Things that damage respect include contemptuous reactions such as hurtful insults, constant criticism, rigid defensiveness and shutting down a partner’s attempts to communicate.  If your partner emotionally hurts you in one of these ways, they should show a genuine desire to apologize and repair the hurt. Physical force - a partner putting their hands on you - is a full-stop red flag and needs to be addressed before the relationship continues.  Romantic partners should have a sense of teamwork - a satisfying feeling of shared effort and shared emotions.  In a good relationship you should be able to comfortably say “I know my partner has my back.”   Call our Tallahassee office if you would like to explore couples counseling.  

---