Stacey Norman

A disturbing trend has emerged on TikTok, known as "Skinny Tok," where users promote extreme thinness under the guise of wellness and lifestyle advice. This movement, led by a number of influences, has sparked widespread concern about its potential to normalise disordered eating and perpetuate negative body image. What is Skinny Tok? Skinny Tok is a trend that promotes extreme calorie restriction and regular body checks, where users document their shrinking bodies. Proponents of this trend share very low-calorie diets and frame weight loss and extreme thinness as the ultimate sign of health. The trend is currently active on TikTok, with over 74,000 videos shared under the #skinnytok hashtag. Chief of Clinical Psychology at Turning Point Mental Services, Mrs Mbali Mthembu, highlights the concerning impact of such trends, stating: “Social media platforms like TikTok often present unrealistic beauty standards, glorifying thinness and promoting unhealthy dieting habits. Young people, particularly girls, are frequently exposed to this content, which can trigger disordered eating behaviours like restrictive dieting and excessive exercising.” The portrayal of these unrealistic beauty standards can lead to body dissatisfaction among teenagers. They may feel their bodies do not measure up to the ideals they see online, resulting in lower self-esteem, depression and anxiety. Mthembu explains: “Young people begin to think that their body weight is not ideal, even if they are at a healthy weight. They might develop a distorted view of their body shape, leading to dissatisfaction and severe mental health issues.” Mthembu's practice has seen a rise in cases of young individuals struggling with body image issues and eating disorders. She notes: “We have observed an increasing number of young people trying to cope with eating disorders. Many feel dissatisfied with their body shape and weight, often influenced by what they consume on social media.” Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. One key strategy is fostering open, non-judgmental discussions about body image and the content young people are exposed to online. “Encouraging open conversations about how social media can affect their perception of body image is crucial,” Mthembu says. “Reassuring young people and highlighting their positive attributes, unrelated to their body weight, can help build self-esteem.” Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in monitoring their children's media consumption and ensuring they understand the unrealistic nature of the content they view. Mthembu advises, “It's important for parents to check in with their children regularly, discussing their meals and being sensitive about commenting on their body weight. Highlighting other positive features, like their intelligence or kindness, can be more constructive.” Furthermore, implementing parental control measures to monitor and limit exposure to harmful content can help. “Parents can use features that block certain content and monitor the amount of time their children spend online. This helps in reducing the exposure to potentially harmful trends such as Skinny Tok,” Mthembu advises. Education around responsible social media use is also vital. “Teaching young people to critically evaluate the content they come across on social media and understand the unrealistic expectations it sets is essential,” emphasises Mthembu. “Schools can contribute by providing resources and support through counselling services to help reduce the stigma around eating disorders and promote healthy body image.” Bullying, a significant factor contributing to body image issues, must also be addressed. Providing a safe space where young people can speak openly about their experiences and concerns is crucial. “Allowing children and teenagers to express their worries without judgment can help uncover underlying issues, including bullying, that may contribute to disordered eating,” Mthembu points out.

Patrick Williams owns a stunning restaurant in London inspired by South African cooking. Growing up in Durban, down the South Coast he loved the sunshine and the beach life. At 17, with no clear direction, Patrick found inspiration in his older brother, a chef working in Cape Town. Moving to live and train with his brother was a significant life change but one filled with promise. Leaving the familiar shores of Durban for the bustling city of Cape Town was a cultural shift, but Patrick quickly acclimated and thrived. He spent 10 years working with esteemed chefs, where he progressed to junior sous chef. His culinary journey further led him to work with PJ Vadas, another signature restaurant on a South African wine farm. “ PJ was a bit of a mentor. My brother was a mentor and another good chef friend of mine who, now lives in Australia,” he told East Coast Radio. At 26, Patrick's mentors suggested he move overseas to deepen his culinary expertise, with the possibility of returning to head up his own restaurant. Embracing this advice, Patrick relocated to London, a move that would ignite his future successes. “So I moved over to London,” he shared. London brought Patrick new culinary experiences and personal milestones. Working with Robin Gill, a chef full of energy and creativity, significantly influenced Patrick's culinary approach. During this period, he also met his now-wife, Amy, a steadfast supporter through the demanding London culinary scene. With Amy's background in a restaurant family and a career in design, the couple decided to venture into their own culinary enterprise. The idea was born from their shared desire to infuse their heritage and creativity into a unique dining experience. The South African influence was a central theme, driven by Patrick's pride in his roots and the untapped potential he saw in introducing London to polished South African flavours. Determined to create a restaurant that stood out, they brainstormed for a name reflecting their vision. The Kudu, a stunning animal and a fitting logo, perfectly encapsulated their South African identity. Kudu's culinary offerings bear the distinctive mark of Durban's vibrant spice profile. With a team of South African chefs, the restaurant's dishes carry regional inspiration. Their newest venture, a dry spice rub monkfish dish, epitomises this blend of authenticity and innovation. “ There wasn't really anybody doing it on sort of more of a higher end. Not saying that we are a fine dining restaurant, but something that was a bit more polished and it really showcased what South African flavours could be,” he explained. For Patrick, these touches ensure that their cuisine resonates with familiarity for South African patrons while offering a fresh take on traditional flavours. Patrick's journey, from the sunny beaches of Durban to the dynamic food scene of London, displays the utmost resilience and passion. His advice for aspiring chefs is to dive in wholeheartedly, invest in continuous learning, and surround oneself with supportive, like-minded mentors. This relentless pursuit of improvement and community is what fuels Patrick's culinary success.

We caught up with Ash Padayachee, the creator of NeuroGroove SA, who made a catchy Afro-house beat about East Coast Radio's Stacey and J Sbu. "I've been professionally DJing for many years. I started in my early teens, so it's been roughly about 25 years of being in the music industry. So the track 'Stacey and J Sbu' was inspired by the energy and the vibe that they bring to the drive time show," the Pietermaritzburg native said. According to Padayachee, he was inspired by their electric chemistry and how they're unapologetically themselves. "They represent such a strong part of KZN culture, so I wanted to capture that feeling in a track that's sort of like a beat that feels like a Friday afternoon, windows down, volume up kind of vibe. It's a celebration of who they are and what they mean to so many listeners across the province," said Padayachee. He explained that the Drive Team's energy after a long day at work “brings your vibe back.” After learning that Stacey and J Sbu heard his song, he said: "I think it's also that they've listened to it and the fact that they enjoy it. I think I'm excited to know that somebody out there is, you know, appreciating the work that we do."

Every Wednesday, Stacey and J Sbu open the hotline for the kids of KZN to share their thoughts on air. This week, J Sbu was on his own but that didn't stop him from chatting with the little ones of our province. He opened the hotline by asking the minis of our province who their best friends are and why? We received a number of answers that ranged from adorable to down right emotional! J Sbu even shared a voicenote from his son, Zanda. If you missed it live, tune in!

Ahead of J Sbu's birthday this weekend, the team spoke all things gifting. Speaking about his experience of never really receiving what he's wanted, J Sbu asked you, the people of KZN, about gifting. Stacey Norman weighed in, sharing that she usually tells people what she wants, so she's never disappointed by the gift. You shared your thoughts and the results were conflicting. If you missed it live, listen in!

There are celebrations all around for Northlands Primary School as their team, Smooth Sailors, achieved top honours at the Open Africa Championship (OAC) of the First Lego League (FLL). The league was held from 7 to 9 May 2025 in Cape Town and teams from 42 countries were in attendance. Out of the 106 teams who were invited, globally, the Smooth Sailors from Northlands Primary School were the highest-ranked SA team. They earned second place in the “Core Values” category. Principal Mr Alistair Naidu shared praise for the team's amazing achievement, saying: “Smooth Sailors have not only made us proud as a school, but also as a country. Their recognition at an international level speaks volumes of their dedication, humility, and ability to lead with purpose. This is the kind of global excellence we are cultivating at Northlands.” Team lead and coach Mr. Steven Kent shared that the First Lego League was more than just coding. “It's a gateway to lifelong learning. We're building a generation that is curious, empathetic, and eager to solve real-world challenges. Smooth Sailors have shown that South African youth can compete with the world's best and excel,” said the proud coach.

At just eight-years-old, Emily Eloff is making waves in the BMX racing world. Currently ranked number one in South Africa in her age group, Emily has been passionate about BMX racing since the age of five. "I think I am very brave, not scared and I love riding my bike very fast," she says, attributing her success to her bravery and dedication to training. Emily's journey began when she was just four-years-old, watching her friend Chad race his BMX. She nagged her parents to buy her a BMX bike and on her fifth birthday, she got one. Despite falling during her first race, Emily was determined to continue riding. "I fell during my very first race but I was brave and didn't want to stop riding," she recalls. Now, Emily is set to take her talents to the international stage, competing in the UCI BMX World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 29 July to 3 August, 2025. "I am very excited to go on an aeroplane and race my BMX overseas for South Africa," she says, admitting to getting butterflies in her tummy when thinking about it. "I can't wait to meet all my BMX heroes." As a role model for young girls, Emily encourages others to take up the sport. "I would like it if I could get more girls to come and race BMX with me. It is exciting and so much fun," she says. Her advice to younger kids is to visit a BMX track and watch the racers in action. To make her dream a reality, Emily's family is looking to raise R80,000 to cover expenses such as travel, competition fees and race kit. With the support of donors, Emily will be able to represent South Africa with pride on the international stage.

Since the kiddos of KZN haven't had a holiday in a few weeks, Stacey and J Sbu tried to bring magic back into their lives. This Wednesday, Stacey and J Sbu asked the little ones of the province what they think is the most magical place in the world before asking where they'd like to go. We heard quite a few impressive answers, including Hawaii! One things for sure, these littles are smarter than we think. If you missed it live, tune in!

We've heard our fair share of crazy things, but this phenomenon left Stacey flabbergasted! J Sbu, in conversation, revealed that he sends money to his partner monthly and referred to this sum as an allowance. This conversation took a turn as they asked you, the people of KZN, to weigh in. If you missed it live, tune in!

Stacey and J Sbu received the following confession, which started tearing them apart! Take a look: "With Mother's Day this weekend we need some help with a confession from one of our listeners: I'm a co-parent, and I'm conflicted about Mother's Day. I'll be honest I'm not sure what the “right” thing to do is anymore. We have been separated for years now, and our child is in their teens. Last year, I sent flowers to my ex from our child. It's something I've always seen done in my family the kids give their mom flowers, even if someone else helps make it happen. I thought I was just continuing that tradition, showing our child what appreciation looks like. But now I'm wondering: is it still appropriate? My ex doesn't expect it, and they don't do anything for me on Father's Day, which is okay I'm not keeping score. But I do wonder if it's overstepping, like I'm forcing my family's values onto a situation that's changed. I'm not trying to send mixed signals or stir up old feelings; I just want our child to grow up seeing that honouring your parent, even in small ways, matters. Still, I keep asking myself: Is this a kind gesture or could it come across as something else? Please help co-parent Dad" YOU weighed in to help Anonymous. If you missed it live, tune in!

Teenage motorsport star Hannah Lee Daniel joined Stacey and J Sbu in studio today. The 17-year-old is revving up the racing world with her fearless drive and determination. She shared everything from starting in the sport to where she's going next. If you missed it live, tune in!

Ahead of a very special day, Stacey and J Sbu opened up the Mother's Day Hotline. They asked you, the people of KZN, what song reminds you of your mother, biological or not. Stacey and J Sbu spoke about their own mothers before getting you to answer, so we could create a playlist ahead of the big day!

After years of being together and a whirlwind engagement, Kerissa and Kiran Ramluckan have tied the knot. Stacey and J Sbu have been part of their journey since last year when Kerissa proposed to Kiran. This year, on 23 March, the lovebirds celebrated their union through a gorgeous traditional Hindu wedding ceremony. According to Kerissa, married life has been treating them well so far. “It's more involved than being a fiancé,” she gushed. Sharing advice for other women out there who would like to propose to their partners, Kerissa said you should just go for it. “You won't regret it,” she told East Coast Radio, “As long as you have the right person.”

Aunty Stacey and uncle J Sbu realised that they were (lowkey) old and decided to ask the little ones of the province to teach them some cool young slang. From rizz to skibbidi, these millennials were schooled in the ways of Gen Alpha. They also had a FULL lesson from a youngster who shared a list of terms that they had never heard of! If you missed it live, tune in!

Hot on the heels of the Met Gala, Stacey Norman and J Sbu were curious about whether or not people actually still care about it. Drawing from their own experiences, they shared about a few things they used to care about but don't anymore. They then spoke with Troy, who works in the fashion industry, to see if they were the only ones who didn't really care about the annual fundraiser. If you missed it live, tune in!

TikTok content creators Darshen Kuna and Dr Samuel Choudhury are changing the game with their viral travel series. Taking to the short-form video sharing app, Darshen and Samuel have shared a number of videos of what they actually do when travelling. While Samuel does all the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively), Darshen is the pretty face who is just here for the fun. The duo reside in Singapore but have been sharing clips of their travels through this viral series. Social media users from all over the world have been debating whether they are more like Darshen or Samuel. Stacey and J Sbu addressed the Darshen and Samuel trend and opened the lines to you, the people of KZN. If you missed it live, tune in!

Whether you're having a braai, a get-together or a party, most people are in the habit of taking a treat or two with them. Stacey and J Sbu opened the lines today to ask you, the people of KZN, what's one thing people should never bring to your house? From potato salad with raisins to your cutlery, you did not disappoint with these answers. If you missed it live, listen in!

This is Stacey & J Sbu, Weekdays on ECR from 15:00 - 18:00. An unforgettable drive home with two of your favourite voices join forces to take you to new heights. Stacey Norman & J Sbu are here to revolutionise your afternoons with their dynamic chemistry, fire content, and a level of edginess that will keep you hooked. Brace yourself for thought-provoking discussions, bold perspectives, and a dose of entertainment that pushes boundaries. They fearlessly tackle edgy topics, giving voice to the conversations that matter most. The show is packed with exciting features designed to engage and entertain. So, buckle up and get ready for a ride like no other as Stacey & J Sbu take you on a journey of entertainment and connection.

Stacey and J Sbu are getting older and their birthdays are slowly becoming less (and less) important. They were curious about whether the people of KZN had the same thought process. The duo decided to ask YOU to weigh in and there were a number of responses that had us thinking... If you missed it live, listen in!

The Freddy L Band treated Stacey and J Sbu to a live studio performance! The South African musicians recently released an amazing song titled 'Stacey' and had to share it with our very own Stacey Norman. If you missed the performance live, listen in!

Following the viral Blue Origin space trip with a number of celebrities, Stacey Norman was left with a pretty intriguing thought. She decided to ask the people of KwaZulu-Natal which South African woman they'd nominate to represent the country in space and you came through! From Rachel Kolisi to Stacey Norman, we heard a number of different answers. If you missed it live, tune in!

Bella Howard, a talented Grade 10 learner from Kloof High School in Durban, is on the cusp of achieving her ultimate dream: representing South Africa in touch rugby. She's been selected to join the South African Touch Boks team for the Youth Atlantic Touch Cup in Ireland in July. This remarkable young athlete's journey in touch rugby began four years ago, and her standout performance at the Inter-Provincial Tournament in Cape Town last year earned her a place on the national team. Bella's dedication and hard work have paid off, and she's already attended a national training camp as she prepares to compete against the best in the world. Her sporting achievements extend far beyond touch rugby. She represented KwaZulu-Natal in soccer, playing for the U13A and U14 teams, and became the youngest student to earn a spot on her high school's 1st netball team. Through the South African Netball Coaching Academy, her netball skills have taken her abroad, with tours to Italy and the UK. In 2024, she captained the U15A KZN touch rugby team to a second-place finish in Cape Town. Off the field, she continues to shine, achieving a 95% average in Grade 9 and 100% scores in Maths and Life Sciences in Grade 10. However, Bella now needs support to make her dream a reality. She is looking for sponsorship from corporate organisations, businesses, and individuals to help with the financial requirements of the tour. Every donation, big or small, would mean the world to her. Bella's mother, Ghita, expressed their pride in her accomplishments, saying, "There are no words that can describe how proud we are of Bella and all that she has accomplished, especially at such a young age. "Bella never ceases to amaze us, whether it's playing sports, cracking 100% in her exams, performing magic tricks or creating beautiful pieces of art... her talent is endless. "What we are most proud of is what a kind, gentle and empathetic young lady Bella is. She is always willing to help; she always gives 200% and we are honoured to be her parents."

After seeing a meme on social media about asking your partner to be your Valentine, Stacey saw a few other memes with a similar (yet confusing) sentiment. "When he hasn't asked you to be his egg for Easter" is the one that stood out. Finding this absolutely hilarious, she was left wondering if others have the same thought floating through their mind. While J Sbu didn't initially understand the internet meme, he eventually changed his mind, thanks to you - the people of KZN! If you missed it live, tune in!

Ubuntu NPO is hosting the Qhawekazi Golf Day on 28 May 2025 at Umhlali Country Club to raise awareness about menstrual health and Period Poverty. Through the Qhawekazi pillar, they are committed to ensuring that young girls have access to menstrual products and education, enabling them to stay in school with dignity. Stacey Norman spoke with Amkela Makhanya, the Founding Executive Director of the Ubuntu NPO, to learn more.

Stacey and J Sbu received a concerning confession today that left us with more questions than answers. An anonymous listener shared that their partner enjoys blowing his nose in their TOWELS. Yes, you read that right - towels. Trying to make sense of it all, they asked the people of KZN what weird habits their partners have and we're still scratching our heads. While the ladies of the province aired all their dirty laundry, the gents kept it a bit hush-hush. If you missed it live, listen in!

After coming to the (startling) realisation that she is a carbon copy of her mother, Stacey Norman needed to vent! Sharing some details about the realisation, J Sbu became curious. The duo opened the Parents Hotline to ask the people of KZN if they're like their parents and in what way. We heard a number of ways locals are just like their moms and dads. Listen in!

J Sbu caught up with South African musician Belinda Davids ahead of her performance at Suncoast. Davids shared how she's been doing this amazing show for the past 11 years and how it's something for everyone! Speaking about her favourite Whitney Houston song, she explained how hard it is to pick just one tune from this iconic artist. If you missed the interview live, listen here!

KZN-based artist Ricollin Moodley is a force to be reckoned with. The 24-year-old started his journey by creating art using materials such as old lipsticks, stale food colouring and charcoal. He is a self-taught artist with humble beginnings. Even so, his talent has been appreciated globally. Moodley has sold his artwork to people in the Netherlands, China and Australia. The Shelley Beach resident joined Stacey and J Sbu in studio today to discuss his journey into the world of art. Speaking to Stacey and J Sbu about his journey, Ricollin shared how he took up art as a means to earn money to purchase food for his family. "I took a pencil and found paper, went to the beach and started sketching," he explained. There, he met his first customer who commissioned a piece from him. Ricollin is known for his unique use of lipstick, he explained that this began after digging in bins. He was unable to afford art supplies and took the 'risk' of using lipstick. "Little did I know, I could actually create pieces of art with this," he shared.

Stacey Norman and J Sbu had an intense relationship question to ask KZN. Do opposites attract? To help answer this question, they called resident Spark Tester Trav Lloyd who believes that opposites don't actually attract. Studies have consistently shown that people are more likely to be attracted to those who share similar qualities, attitudes, and values. Similarity is a strong predictor of attraction, research has also explored the role of sociodemographic dimensions, such as education, ethnicity, and age. Studies have shown that online daters are more likely to contact and respond to individuals who share similar backgrounds, highlighting the importance of similarity in relationship formation.

After East Coast Breakfast asked the people of KZN what their dream emojis would be and Stacey and J Sbu had to join in. Your favourite Drive show hosts shared some emoticons they would love to add. Stacey would love one that simply says the word 'No'. J Sbu on the other hand, wants his water woes to come to life with an emoji about water cuts. The people of KwaZulu-Natal joined in with some creative options, from bottles of wine to traffic jams.

We're on the hunt for a new team member at ECR, and we turned to YOU for the ultimate interview question! From the genius to the downright bizarre, Stacey & J Sbu break down the best responses, put each other to the test, and deliver their final verdict.

Plot twist of the century! Imagine trying to break up with someone, only for them to hit you with a baby announcement… and then it's an April Fools' prank?! What would you do in this situation? Stacey and J Sbu investigate.

What if your favourite artists joined forces for the ultimate collab? Stacey & J Sbu dive into the dream team-ups that could break the internet! From unexpected mashups to legendary duos, who do YOU want to see in the studio together? Take a listen to what went down on air.

Parenting isn't always sunshine and gold stars...sometimes, it takes a village to raise a child. This afternoon, Stacey & J Sbu open the 'Parents Hotline' where you shared who's in your village. Take a listen:

If your March was a meal, was it a feast or a flop? We heard it all delicious spreads, meals to remember, and some dishes so dry they needed a rescue mission! Get ready for a serving of laughs as we break down your month in food terms.

Laurel Timber and Juwairiyyah Sheikh who were the successful winners of Drive with Stacey, have got the licences! About finally getting her licence, Juwairiyyah said:  ” I must admit, when my lessons firstly started, yeah, it was very scary. I was extremely nervous, but as my lessons progressed, I got more confident.” Speaking about why she took the leap of faith and decided to do her licence, Laurel said: “ It was this position that I would like to apply for at work, but I do need a driver's license.” Juwairiyyah and Laurel worked hard with Omar and Leslie from Omar's Driving School to ensure they were ready and prepared to do their licences. Stacey along with these determined and empowered women are now ready to take hit the roads, licence in hand! We've been part of their journey from hearing their stories of why they never managed to get their licences to being with them as they succeeded.

This Wednesday, we opened the Kiddies Hotline and asked the little ones of the province which cartoon character they would be and why. Before long, moms, dads, aunts, uncles and everyone in between started calling in! From Scrooge McDuck to Patrick Star from Spongebob Squarepants, the grown-ups of KwaZulu-Natal could not resist sharing who they'd switch places with for a day. Listen now!

Ah, the thrill of the forbidden. You know, those things in your house that are just begging to be touched, but are strictly off-limits. Like the expensive vase your aunt gave you, or the fancy kitchen gadgets your partner loves to use. Let's be real, who hasn't been tempted to touch the "Do not touch" sign on the office aircon? Or run their fingers over the '"Do not disturb" pillow in the living room? It's like our brains are hardwired to want to touch the things we're not supposed to. Of course, some things are genuinely off-limits and for good reason.

Every Wednesday the little ones of our province melt our airwaves with their cuteness. It's a chance for the kids of KZN to share something with us. This week Aunty Stacey and Uncle J Sbu asked the kiddos of KZN what they would buy for R1 million and the littles, as always, did NOT disappoint. All we know is the kids of our sunny province have some expensive taste! If you missed it live, tune in.

Whether you're a thrill-seeking traveller who lives in the rush of almost missing your flight or you're just tired of spending hours waiting around the airport, the latest social media trend is sure to intrigue you. This daring trend involves arriving at your gate a mere 15 minutes before departure. Yep, you read that right, 15 minutes! The theory goes that you can breeze through security and board your plane just in the nick of time, all while avoiding the tedious wait at the airport. TikTok users have been putting the airport theory to the test, with some impressive (and not-so-impressive) results. J Sbu recently put the theory to the test and Stacey wasn't too impressed. Here's what they had to say.

Ever wondered what happens when you let kids take over the airwaves? Every Wednesday, we throw our adulting hats away and hand the mic to the under-18s. Kids, unscripted and unrehearsed, share their unfiltered thoughts and hilarious stories with us via voice notes and it's nothing short of adorable chaos. This week, Stacey and J Sbu asked the young ones to spill the beans on the funniest things their parents say. Prepare for giggles as you hear gems like 'You can't park a horse!' and 'Wushie Wushie'.

We've all been in a relationship that just can't seem to make up its mind. One day you're together, the next day you're broken up, and a week later you're back on again. While this cycle of breakups and makeups can be exhausting, it's actually more common than you might think. According to research published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, a whopping 37% of cohabiting couples and 23% of married couples have experienced a breakup and then gotten back together with their current partner. That's a lot of people stuck in a cycle of uncertainty! So why does this happen and what are the consequences of being in an on-again, off-again relationship? The same research suggests that couples who experience breakups and makeup during the dating phase are more likely to continue this pattern into cohabitation and even marriage. It's not just a matter of "oh, we're just figuring things out". The reality is that on-again, off-again relationships are often marked by lower quality and more uncertainty. In fact, couples who have experienced breakups and makeup report being less satisfied in their relationships and having more uncertainty about their future together. What can you do if you're stuck in an on-again, off-again relationship? According to Psychology Today, you can start by taking a step back and evaluating your relationship. Are you truly happy, or are you just holding on because it's comfortable or familiar? Next, consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor who can help you and your partner work through your issues and develop healthier communication patterns. Finally, remember that it's okay to walk away if the relationship is no longer serving you. It's better to be single and happy than stuck in a cycle of breakups and makeups.