1. First and foremost, be yourself. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Be authentic to who you are, so that the other person gets to know the real you.
2. Set boundaries, so you don’t do something you’re not ready to do.
3. Stay away from drama. No one wants to be caught in a stressful, dramatic situation, so keep things open and honest.
4. Never give up your independence. Make sure you’re as good being on your own as you are together.  Hang out in groups and make time for your other friends.
5. Don’t compromise who you are or what you want, no matter what.
6. You’ll get your heart broken, but the pain won’t last forever. And while it may take a while for the hurt to fade, time does heal most heart wounds.
7. Make sure the person you’re with brings out the best in you… if not, it’s not a healthy relationship.
8. Breakups STINK, but they’ll show you what kind of a person you want to be and what you want to avoid.
9. Show gratitude when your partner does something special for you. Few things mean more than letting someone know you’re grateful for what they did.
10. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Relationships work in two directions, so if you’re not getting back some version of what you’re putting in, it’s time to move on.  You’re worthy!
11. Never assume you know what your partner is thinking. Ask for yourself, so there’s no confusion.
12. Don’t play head games. Say what you mean and what you say so that everyone’s always on the same page.
13. Remember to talk to each other. Because relationships are always a work in progress, you need to keep the lines of communication open.
14. If you’re breaking up with someone, be kind. There’s no easy way to tell someone they’re not The One, so just do it thoughtfully… not through a text!
15. Parents are always there in the wings to help when you need them. So use this as a jumping-off point and just start the conversation.  Believe it or not, they have been there and know what you’re going through.

Have a safe, merry and bright Holiday!