Нерсисян 10. Unit 2. Reading, p.56

Read the text. Choose the correct answer.

A relationship is a two way street. In an ideal world, it would work like this: person one enjoys being with person two and person two enjoys being with person one. Each person tries their best to keep together.

It is important to understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Healthy relationships are ones that bring out the best in you. Even though no relationship is perfect, healthy relationships make you feel good almost all of the time and generally bring you up and not down. People trust each other and communicate openly. People are always there and support each other when needed.

But… it doesn’t always work like that. Relationships involve effort from both sides. And that’s where this perfect analogy falls apart.

It can’t be up to one person to keep up the relationship, it needs both people to thrive. One person can only do so much before everything is ruined. Some people are like that. They try their best to keep a relationship going for as long as possible. They try their best to stay in contact with the other person. But how much is enough? When do you eventually say “I’m done, I can’t do this anymore.” and move on? At that point, the blame falls on the other person. There’s no more mutual responsibility. They tried their best to keep it going but failed.

Why does the other person stop? There’s no exact science or reason: it just happens. And while the relationship is falling to pieces, that first person is left confused. “Why is this happening?” “Did I do something wrong?” It’s an extremely weird feeling not knowing what or why it is happening. And at that point, it’s too late to find out.

Unhealthy relationship can start when a pattern of certain behaviours, like maintaining power and control, takes place. Sometimes it is difficult to see when we are in an unhealthy one. When friends or partners, or even parents or children don’t want to spend time with one another; if people are overly dependent on each other, or vice versa do not respect mutual privacy; if a person is secretive or lies, pressures a partner, or simply only focuses on oneself, one’s interests, feelings and ignores their partner’s, then it is a bad sign. Here people may feel anxious, confused, unconfident, and even unsafe.

Healthy relationships are important and if you or your friend, parents, or any other person knows of some sort of abuse, it is never too late to get or give help. Whatever you give you will get back; always treat people with care, love, and respect. Don’t take anything for granted. Treat them the way they need to be treated and share with them how you want to be treated in return.

What is a pattern of healthy relationships?

What is the most important thing in relationships?

What is the key to being a good friend?