OK, let's say you meet someone. After a little time, you start to think you really like the time you spend together. Maybe this person turns you on and you can't imagine living life without him or her. Are you both ready for a life together? Are you comfortable with this relationship, or are you in this relationship because you are avoiding the alternative? One way to know for sure if this relationship will work for the both of you is to make sure it is a healthy one.

Healthy relationships don't just happen; they are the result of work. There are some signs that your relationship is healthy if the following is taking place: mutual respect, honesty, trust, support, fairness, separate identity and good communication. If all these characteristics are evident when you are together, then your relationship is destined to grow and become greater as time progresses.

Conversely, there are signs to watch for that indicate the relationship is not healthy and in need of serious attention. These characteristics are: verbal comments that are meant to insult you, physical attacks such as slaps or hits, language used to be mean and to put you down, and forceful sexual encounters. These are sure signs that your partner does not respect you and may be using and abusing you.

Relationships are wonderful to have if they are healthy and mutually beneficial. The future shared by two is less lonely and more fun.