Brandon Twp.- Are you in a healthy or unhealthy relationship?
Learn the signs of each as well as how to improve your relationship and break out of a bad one during ‘Healthy Relationships,? set for 7 p.m., Feb. 9, at the library, 304 South St.
The program, offered by the Oakland County Health Division, is designed for middle school through college-aged students and addresses not only romantic relationships, but also relationships between family members and friends, as well as peers.
‘The intent of the program is to give people ideas of what a healthy relationship is and what is not,? said Kate Rettler, public health educator. ‘We’ll talk about the signs of healthy relationships and ways to cope with unhealthy relationships… It’s mainly just to help educate them so they can recognize when they are in an unhealthy relationship.?
This is a new program for the Oakland County Health Division and their Public Health Speaker Team, put together two years ago with topic experts in public health.
The ‘Healthy Relationships? presentation will feature discussion among participants, as well as a game.
Rettler notes that she will refer those in abusive and domestic violence situations to HAVEN, but other unhealthy relationships can include those without physical abuse, including bullying, and those will be the focus of this program.
Signs of an unhealthy relationship, she continued, include being unable to communicate without conflict, unmanageability, and more stress than a normal relationship.
Rettler will discuss stress management techniques and conflict resolution.
‘One of the techniques is mindfulness, positive thinking? taking a timeout to get your mood under control before coming back to resolve the issue,? she said. ‘You need to set boundaries within your relationship, agree to disagree, and compromise when possible.?
Recognizing what an unhealthy relationship is and problem solving will lead to a relationship that is healthy? one in which individuals communicate when there is a problem, respect each other, are truthful, supportive, and feel safe.
For more information and to register for this free program, call 248-627-1460 or visit www.brandonlibrary.org.