Workshop addresses health of relationships

Relationships take work. And to ensure the best results from a partnership, it takes an effort to learn the best possible ways to keep it going.

Deana Davies, coordinator of the Assault Survivors Advocacy Program, spoke to a group of 15 students Wednesday in the University Center about how to build stronger relationships.

The workshop began with getting the students' perspective on what a healthy relationship is. Then, Davies informed the students of what makes a relationship strong and what makes it weak.

"Respect, honesty, trust and communication are the keys to a healthy relationship," Davies said.

Students completed an activity about weak and strong relationships, viewed a PowerPoint presentation and had their questions answered about the subject.

Victoria Klingler, an undeclared freshman, said she believes she has a healthy relationship with her boyfriend and thought it would still be interesting to attend the workshop. She also said she wanted to challenge her thoughts about her relationship really being healthy or not and ended up learning something new.

"Communication was a good point they touched on," Klingler said. "I've heard the same thing from therapists that I've talked to."
 

Davies taught the students that said if you're angry in your relationship, just take a timeout and remember not to drink alcohol, smoke marijuana or drive when you are angry.

There are basic things you don't want to do when you're angry," she said.

The National College Health Assessment is a survey that random samples of UNC students take. The data provides university programs with suggestions of what type of events and workshops the general population of students would like to see.

Jessica Weiderspon, the graduate assistant for the Fitness and Wellness program, said she believes these surveys are effective.

"I go through about 800 surveys and brainstorm from other schools what the students are interested in," Weiderspon said.

For information about relationships, contact ASPA at 970-351-1490 or at its 24-hour hotline at 970-351-4040.