Types of Relationships

Healthy Relationships are based on mutual respect, good communication, trust, honesty, and equality. In a healthy relationship:

Your partner respects you and your individuality.
You are both open and honest.
Your partner supports you and your choices, even when they disagree with you.
Both of you have equal say and respected boundaries.
Your partner understands that you need to study or hang out with friends or family.
You can communicate your feelings without being afraid of negative consequences.
Both of you feel safe being open and honest.

Unhealthy Relationships are based on pressure, dishonesty, attempts to control, and inconsiderate behavior. Just because there is no physical abuse in your relationship, doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Your relationship might be unhealthy if your partner:

Is inconsiderate, disrespectful, or distrustful.
Doesn’t communicate their feelings.
Tries to emotionally or financially control you.
Keeps you from other priorities.
Humiliates you on social media or in front of your friends.
Threatens to “out” you to your family.

Abusive Relationships are based on power, control, accusations, isolation, and manipulation. Dating abuse is defined as a pattern of destructive behaviors used to exert power and control over a partner. Although dating violence usually involves a series of abusive behaviors, it can also occur on a single instance.

Warning Signs

Because relationships exist on a spectrum, it can be hard to tell when a behavior crosses the line from unhealthy to abusive. Use these warning signs of abuse to see if your relationship is going in the wrong direction:

Checking your cell phone or email without permission
Constantly putting you down
Extreme jealousy or insecurity
Explosive temper
Isolating you from family or friends
Making false accusations
Mood swings
Physically hurting you in any way
Possessiveness
Telling you what to do

What should I do if I am in an unhealthy or abusive relationship?

*Information adapted from www.loveisrespect.org