A healthy relationship is one in which both people feel a healthy sense of "self." Each person feels harmonious when spending time with the other person. Two emotionally healthy adults try to meet each other's needs, and each can ask for help without fear of criticism.

A relationship is "created" and doesn't exist until two people unite in a common purpose. A healthy relationship means that both parties feel respected--even when problems arise. To give respect, each person must exhibit behaviors desired from the other person.

Every relationship calls for "healthy closeness" and "healthy distance." In any relationship, ask yourself, "How close can I be to this person and still feel good about myself?" If a relationship invades your emotional harmony, take a step back from the other person by visiting less, calling less or spending time with that person only in a group setting.

You build a healthy relationship through healthy conversation. Listen to your own conversation to make sure that you contribute healthy words and actions to the mix.

You can overfocus on another person, but this upsets the harmony in a relationship. Instead, focus on your hopes, plans and dreams. This takes pressure off the relationship for the other person to meet too many of your personal needs. Asking too much of someone overloads a relationship.

Few people instinctively have great relationship skills. Most of us acquire "people skills" though reading books and articles on relationships--plus participating in friendships. We might try a behavior, fail, readjust and try something else. It takes lots of practice to get along with other people.