Throughout life people build new relationships as well as maintain some old ones. Healthy relationships bring joy and happiness, relieve stress and make life better, but these relationships require dedication.

Maintaining or forming healthy relationships is hard work as it requires effort from all concerned. One person should not always give more than the other; rather, it should be a mutual give and take. Some people take advantage of their family and friends because they expect that they have to. Both parties should respect each other as equals.

Having realistic expectations and being flexible are key to making relationships work. For example, one cannot assume that someone can do everything for them such as when working in a group. Also, one cannot expect another to be superhuman or change in an instant to fit one’s expectations. Being able to see people as they are and accept them as much requires an open, flexible attitude.

Being honest is necessary for healthy relationships as honestly is the foundation for trust. Trust allows one to have faith in others, which helps to build stronger relationships. Without trust a relationship will deteriorate. People should tell the truth even though it may hurt because the consequences of a lie can be even more devastating. This means people should be truthful about how a friend looks, why they were late for an important event or why they did not do their homework.

Above all, people must be loyal in their everyday lives to build sound relationships. Helping a friend and supporting her by doing what is right is what makes all the difference. Being loyal encompasses all of the previous traits therefore without loyalty there is no mutuality, trust and honesty.

One cannot expect all of the relationships in her life to change dramatically in a day. Building healthy relationships is a process, which takes time and patience.