KNOW If It's Healthy
Healthy relationshipsare based on love and equality. They are characterized by communication, respect, support, and boundaries. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and accepted in their relationships.
Communicationis one of the most important parts of a healthy relationship. Healthy partners let one another know when they're in need or when they need space. Both partners must be on the same page about what the other wants and expects. If there is a disagreement or if someone is bothered by something, healthy partners talk about it openly and rationally and arrive at a fair compromise if necessary. Read more aboutconflict resolution from loveisrespect .
Communication is also necessary when making decisions about sex in a healthy relationship. Be honest - if you're not ready, that's okay, and your partner should respect that. Talk with one another about safe sex practices, and communicate openly about your fears, worries and feelings.
Respect and support for one's partner are vital to a healthy relationship. Your desire to be in a relationship with someone else should stem from the great value you place on their feelings, ideas, wants and needs. Respecting and supporting them is paramount. Reassure, comfort and encourage your partner. Your relationship should help and accommodate your partner in achieving their goals and following their dreams. Healthy relationships are about building each other up, not putting each other down.
Boundaries are also key to healthy relationships. Creating boundaries is not about secrecy or distrust - it's the opposite. Setting healthy boundaries is about creating, enhancing and validating trust; it's about being open and communicating one's needs and expectations; it's about being honest and comfortable with what you would like to happen or not happen within your relationship.
Healthy boundaries shouldn't restrict your or your partner's ability to:
- Go out with friends without the other being present.
- Participate in activities and hobbies.
- Have privacy, including passwords and communications.
In fact, healthy boundaries are all about making time for people and activities outside of your relationship, disconnecting from technology or taking time and space for yourself without fear of repercussion, and enjoying privacy, trust, mutual understanding and respect.
Healthy boundaries also include both partners respecting one another's comfort level with sexual activity. No one should feel pressured to have sex in order to keep one's boyfriend or girlfriend. In a healthy relationship, partners respect each other's decisions -- even when they don't like them.
Respecting boundaries means that if something makes you feel uncomfortable, you can say no at any time. No matter how long you've been with someone, and even if you've done something before, you have the right to say no at anytime for any reason. You have control over your body, and no one else has the right to tell you what to do with it.
If your partner repeatedly pressures you - verbally, emotionally or physically - to have sex or won't take no for an answer, it can be a sign of an unhealthy relationship. You deserve better.
Is your relationship healthy?
Take this interactive quiz to find out.