How to Build and Maintain Healthy Relationships
Peer reviewed by Dr. Barry Wiens & Scott Rollo, PhD.
Picture this: You’re hanging out with friends, sharing jokes and stories, feeling understood and valued. That warm, comfortable feeling comes from healthy relationships—connections where respect, trust, and care flow both ways. Friendships and relationships during your teen years shape how supported and confident you feel. But these connections don’t just happen by themselves—they need attention and effort from everyone involved.
What Is Social Awareness and Why Does It Matter?
Social awareness is the skill of understanding how others feel, what they need, and how they behave. It helps you navigate different social situations and build stronger, more meaningful connections.
Being socially aware means:
Understanding social norms: You might act differently at school, home, or sports practice. Knowing what’s appropriate in each place helps you avoid misunderstandings and fit in smoothly.
Showing empathy: Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. If a friend is nervous about a presentation, offering encouragement can make a big difference.
Recognizing positive support: Healthy friends cheer you on and help you feel good about yourself.
Noticing unhealthy behaviours: Gossiping, excluding others, or trying to control someone are signs a relationship might need attention.
Ask yourself: Do I notice how my words or actions affect others? Am I paying attention to how my friends feel?
What Motivates Our Behaviour in Relationships?
The way we act in relationships is influenced by many things:
Personal motivators: Your own beliefs about what makes a good friendship, like honesty or loyalty.
Social motivators: Peer pressure or the desire to fit in. Sometimes this pushes you to try new things in a positive way, or it might lead you to join in on gossip or drama.
Cultural motivators: Traditions and family values shape how you show respect or communicate. For example, greeting elders formally in some cultures, or using casual language in others.
When communicating with an individual, being present is to make eye contact with the individual.
Understanding these motivators helps you appreciate why people behave as they do, and prevents jumping to quick judgments.
How to Support Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships don’t just appear—they grow through care and effort. Here are some ways to support them:
Enjoy time together: Plan activities you both like—watch a movie, play a sport, or just chat during lunch.
Offer help: If a friend is stressed, suggest studying together or simply listen.
Practice active listening: Put away distractions, make eye contact, and truly hear what the other person is saying.
Share new experiences: Joining a club or trying something new together can strengthen your bond.
Seek help when needed: If someone is struggling, encourage them to talk to a trusted adult like a teacher or counselor.
Reflect and Take Action
Think about your relationships:
Do my friends make me feel respected and supported?
Do I show empathy and listen carefully to others?
When conflicts arise, do I try to work things out or avoid the problem?
“A healthy relationship is one where everyone is equally invested.”
Remember: healthy relationships require teamwork. By practicing empathy, respecting social norms, and supporting each other, you build connections that are positive, respectful, and lasting.