You'll sometimes hear about building healthy relationships, but you may wonder just "What does that mean?'' It means building a foundation for happiness and success! It's a known fact that human beings depend on each other for companionship, affection and support (in good times as well as bad). When people can enjoy being together, share thoughts and feelings, and help each other -- that's a "good or healthy'' relationship.

Good relations don't just happen. They take: 1) Effort - often, you have to take the first step in build relationships.

Then, it takes time and energy to keep it going; 2) Patience - getting to know someone may take some time (maybe a few years); 3) Practice - some relationships have bumpy starts, or never get off the ground. But what you learn from them can help you build new relationships; and 4) Communication - sharing who you are, and letting others share with you can put relationships on the right track.

The ingredients of a good relationship are: respect, shared interests, shared values and trust.

RESPECT Means accepting others and yourself as human beings who: Have opinions and feelings.

Have strengths and weaknesses.

Sometimes make mistakes.

*** SHARED INTERESTS Help people have fun together. (Having some different interests adds variety to relationships.) *** SHARED VALUES Such as staying healthy, working hard, etc., make people more likely to support each other, and enjoy each other.

TRUST Allow people to be themselves. They know it's safe to reveal thoughts and secrets.

No relationship is perfect. Some last forever and some don't. As people grow and change, their interests and values may change. This can change their relationships. People can't always solve problems on their own. If you're faced with a heavy problem in life, reach out to: a friend, another relative, a pastor, a counsellor or other professionals. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You owe it to yourself! Help is also available through The Physical Abuse Centre. Call 292-4366 or 297-8278.

You can build better relationships! 1. Share who you are - your thoughts, feelings, hopes and fears.

2. Encourage others to share with you.

3. Learn to solve conflicts.

Try to make the most of your relationships, and get the most out of life. The Physical Abuse Centre is a part of The Family Resource Network, which consists of The Coalition for the Protection of Children, The Institute of Child and Family Health, P.A.R.E.N.T.S. and The Father's Resource Centre. The agencies joined in 1998 to better serve Bermuda's families with a common goal and shared vision.