Healthy Relationships Paper

2-3 pages, double spaced, 12 font

Submit to Canvas by ______

Assignment: Research several articles about the qualities of healthy romantic relationshipsand the interpersonal communication skills necessary to foster strong relationships.Then, write a paper about your findings, including the following ideas:

  • What qualities should you looking for in a romantic partner? (What does the research reveal?)
  • How can you find out if a person really has these qualities?
  • What are some “red flags” that could signal trouble in a perspective partner?
  • What are the important communication skills that strengthen romantic relationships? (perception check, I-Statements, mindful listening, dual perspective (empathy), apologizing, no silent treatment)
  • How can couples resolve conflicts in a healthy way?(discuss the benefits of Collaborative Style)
  • In your conclusion: What is the most important thing you learned from your research? What communication skills do you need to improve on so you are ready for a long-term commitment?
  • Don’t just answer the questions; use them as topic sentences for your paragraphs.
  • This is a research paper, so report on what you found in the articles, rather than just your personal opinion.

Sources:

  • You will need 5 sources on your Works Cited:
  • Useat least four articlesfrom the list found on the blog
  • Use quotations fromHow to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk by John VanEpp (see blog for MLA info)

Introductory Paragraph /
  • Attention Getter (personal experience,quote, joke, not a question)
  • Thesis statement (avoid “this paper will be about . . .”)

Body Paragraphs /
  • Turn the questions above into topic sentences for each paragraph.
  • Discuss the research in detail
  • You should have quotes in every paragraph, except the conclusion.

Conclusion /
  • Don’t summarize all your pointsin your conclusion (boring)
  • What is the most important thing you learned from your research?
  • Which communication skills do you need to improve on so you are ready for a long-term commitment?

MLA /
  • Put direct quotes in quotation marks
  • Quotes should be short: no longer than one sentence.
  • Insert an in text citation after all information that you use from the articles, even if you paraphrase it.
  • Do not put two quotations together. Insert a sentence explaining the quotation.
  • Create a Works Cited that contains all of the sources you actually use in the paper. (see the blue handout)

Conventions /
  • No comma splices, fragments, or capitalization and punctuation errors
  • Article titles in in text citations go in quotation marks.
  • The period goes after the in text citation (“How to Find the Right One”).
  • Is the paper good college writing, with clear, interesting sentences?

Voice /
  • Use first person “I”
  • Adopt a conversational voice so the reader can identify your emotions.
  • If you have had dating experience, you can include some short examples, but the majority of the paper should be on your research findings.
  • Use humor when applicable (it is a funny topic; you’ve got to admit!)