Healthy Relationships
What makes a relationship healthy?
Trust. Honesty. Support.
You know you are in a healthy relationship when both people genuinely feel that in the relationship they are:
- Safe
- Equal
- Respected
- Independent
- Free to be themselves
- Never scared or intimidated
Communication & Boundaries
These are the main components of a healthy relationship:
Healthy communication
In a healthy relationship, both people gain a deeper connection and understanding of each other by:
- Treating each other with respect
- Speaking openly with each other
- Genuinely listening to each other
- Avoiding criticizing each other
- Supporting each other
- Celebrating each other’s success
Healthy boundaries
In a healthy relationship, both people respect boundaries and don’t restrict each other’s freedom to:
- Spend time with family and friends
- Participate in hobbies or activities
- Express thoughts and opinions
- Choose if and when to have sex
- Refrain from uncomfortable things
- Not constantly be accused of flirting
Resources
Learn more about equity and what to do if a relationship isn’t healthy:
Equality Wheel
In contrast to the Power & Control Wheel that illustrates the dynamics of an abusive relationship, the Equality Wheel highlights the components of a healthy relationship.
What if it's not healthy?
If a relationship doesn’t involve healthy communication and boundaries, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s abusive. It does suggest that it’s important to learn more about relationship violence.