Healthy Relationships
Characteristics of Healthy Romantic Relationships
Does your romantic relationship exhibit these qualities?
- caring: partners care for each other and profess that caring openly
- friendship: partners are friends first and have fun together
- acceptance: partners accept each other as they are
- open communication: partners listen to each other and say what's on their minds
- trust: partners trust each other and are trustworthy
- equality: partners are equal in power and share decision-making
- safety: partners respect each other's boundaries and resolve conflicts without violence
- mutual support: partners support each other's goals and values
Warning Signs of Unhealthy Relationships
Watch for these warning signs in your partner:
- Controlling behavior: Your partner insists on always knowing where you are, who you are with, and what you are doing; your partner tries to prevent you from seeing friends and family
- Jealousy: Your partner flies into a rage any time you pay attention to someone else and accuses you of being unfaithful
- Disrespect: Your partner is mean or rude to you
- Violence: Your partner hits, slaps, shoves, kicks, punches, or otherwise physically abuses you
- Alcohol & Drugs: Your partner abuses alcohol or drugs and pressures you to do so as well
- Exploitation: Your partner makes you do things sexually that you are uncomfortable with
- Secrecy: Your partner doesn't acknowledge you or your relationship openly
Watch for these warning signs in yourself:
- You feel controlled, threatened, isolated, or put down by your partner
- You always feel drained, anxious, or unsure of yourself around your partner
- You argue about the same things again and again
- You often have sex but rarely go out together
- What you like most about the relationship is what your partner does for you (money, gifts, etc.)
- You're so wrapped up in the relationship that you have no energy for your studies, hobbies, friends, or family
- You would feel incomplete without a partner
If this describes your relationship, talk to a counselor for help.