By Leyla Oun/reporter

A healthy relationship that is both functional as well as satisfying — a feat not easily obtained.

That was the message by Angela Shindoll, licensed chemical dependency counselor, who presented Interpersonal Relationships: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships Jan. 27 on NE Campus.

“To be anything, to have anything worthwhile, you have to work. A healthy relationship requires work,” she said.

Shindoll, who also is an adjunct instructor on South, defined what makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy.

“I like to focus more on the healthy aspects of relationships more than the bad. Positivity works much better for relationships,” she said.

In a slideshow, participants heard how to reform their relationships by following simple guidelines and suggestions. Participants were encouraged to listen to their partners, communicate well and give themselves self-importance.

The presentation also provided information about counseling, where to seek help and what the college can offer to assist them.

“I enjoyed all of it,” NE student Vanessa A. Brown said. “I had no idea that you could be in a room with someone in complete silence and still enjoy their company. I always assumed not talking was a bad thing.”

She said she also appreciated learning the resources available to the students.