IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP HEALTHY?

by Julia Abreu

All relationships exist on a spectrum from healthy to abusive, with unhealthy relationships somewhere in the middle.

If you recognize any of the warning signs, it may be an indication that your relationship is abusive. Create a safety plan, tell a trusted friend, and call the Domestic Violence hotline to speak to an anonymous advocate that will be able to confidentially discuss your situation and explore available options.

1. Healthy relationships are based on equality & respect

  • You make decisions together and can openly discuss whatever you’re dealing with, like relationship problems and sexual choices. You enjoy spending time together but can be happy apart.

Examples of a Healthy Relationship 

  • Respect
  • Good communication
  • Trust
  •  Honest
  •  Equality

2.Unhealthy relationships are based on attempts to control the other person

  • One person tries to make most of the decisions. He or she may pressure their partner or refuse to see how their actions can hurt. In an unhealthy relationship, you feel like you should ONLY spend time with your partner.

Examples of a Unhealthy Relationship 

  • Breaks in communication
  • Pressure
  • Dishonesty
  • Struggles for control
  • Inconsiderate behavior

3.Abusive relationships are based on an imbalance of power & control

One person is making all the decisions about sexual choices, friend groups, boundaries, even what’s true and what’s not. You spend all of your time together and feel like you can’t talk to other people, especially about what’s really happening in your relationship.

Examples of a Abusive Relationship 

  • Accusations
  • Blame shifting
  • Isolation pressure
  •  Manipulation
  • Communicating in a hurtful and threatening way 

 

 

 

 

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