With Valentine’s Day around the corner, everyone is looking for advice on relationships. Relationship advice can be a tricky thing. All relationships go through ups and downs, and they all take work, commitment, and a willingness to adapt and alternate with your partner. 

Whether or not your relationship is starting out or you’ve been together for years, there are ways to build a healthy relationship. 

Even if you’ve experienced a failed relationship or two or struggled to find a connection early on while dating, you can learn how to stay connected, discover fulfillment, and experience lasting happiness.

1. Be candid about your feelings, the good and the bad. Regularly opening up can help bring you closer to your partner. This might be harder for boys than girls, but it’s important to share your thoughts.

“Make them your best friend,” said junior Brian Lopez. 

1. Actions speak louder than words. 

“Remember, don’t just say how you feel, show it. Sure, it’s a good idea to say, ‘I love you,’ often,” said senior Breanna Rivera. “But the act of showing matters, because we don’t say those three little words as often as we should.”

An article on relationships from ScoopWhoop.com suggests putting your phone away when talking to your partner, writing them small notes and taking an interest in their life when they’re talking to you.

1. “Always be open to new experiences and be understanding,” said junior Diego Uribe. “Be willing to try new things.” Your partner may enjoy activities you’ve never tried before. Consider stepping out of your comfort zone. 
2. Be open in terms of communication and thinking. Always talk things over in person and when you talk, communicate and really listen. While talking, being open to new perspectives is important. Undiscussed matters sometimes cause a split. 

“Communication is key. Work things out and really resolve problems. Also, make the relationship about both people, that’s important too,” said junior Karen Larios. Speaking up about certain problems may be discomforting, but it’s something you have to move past. Have the courage to bring up these topics. 

1. Experts say loving yourself is key to making a relationship last. Insecurity creates problems where there are none. 

“If you’re not cool with who you are or your situation in life, you’re going to act like a crazy person and your relationship won’t last,” said expert Aya Tsintziras, in an article from Bolde.com. 

Self-love and affirmation is a major component to hold a bond together.  If you don’t affirm yourself, it can lead to low self esteem, which isn’t good for you or your partner.  An example for this can be one’s imperfections. 

“Embrace your imperfections. Nobody is perfect. Nobody. Yet we have a tendency to spend countless hours trying to be,” said senior Gabriella Morales. “You are uniquely wonderful. The minute you realize that, you will be on the road to a healthy and loving relationship with yourself and others.”