SYLVANUS URBAN Sylvanus Urban - The Edge Issue | Page 34

Brick by Brick: How To Build Boundaries for A Healthier Relationship THIS IS ME. THIS IS YOU. Author: Jamie Rea Most often, a toxic relationship dynamic is rooted in broken or unhealthy communication, and, like the foundation of a house, when left untreated can attract all sorts of pests that compromise integrity. When we fail to honour our truth and communicate it to our partners in a respectful way, we run the risk of running our relationships into the ground, when all that’s needed is love, support, and a bit of caulking every once in a while. Here are 5 building blocks that help you set communication guidelines for ‘healthy love’, the kind that can weatherproof any relationship. 33 IN THE EARLY STAGES OF DATING, TEND TO YOUR “DIRTY LAUNDRY.” Let’s be real: no one likes doing laundry. Sometimes it seems easier to just ignore it, stuffing it into a darkened corner of your closet. But it keeps growing, no matter what, and by the end of the week you’ve got yourself a pretty rank pile of clothing. Now you’ve got a bonafide health hazard to contend with – just like a toxic relationship can be an emotional health hazard. Rather than ghosting or fading out new romantic prospects you aren’t interested in, tell them outright, “I’m not interested”. Have that tough conversation: “You know, I think you’re great and I’ve enjoyed spending time with you but I don’t see this relationship progressing any further.” T