How Healthy is My Relationship?
Relationships exist on a spectrum from healthy to unhealthy to abusive. It is important to recognize if your relationship contains too many unhealthy behaviors that will cause strife and in the worst case, could set the stage for abuse. Options Mankato can help you to identify red flags and work on your relationship to make it the healthiest it can be.
What makes a relationship healthy?
Healthy relationships are based on equality and respect. You make decisions together and can openly discuss whatever you’re dealing with. You enjoy spending time together but can be happy apart. Here are some characteristics of healthy relationships:
Communication. Each partner should speak honestly and openly to avoid miscommunication. If one person needs to sort out their feelings first, the other partner should respect those wishes and wait until they are ready to talk. Each partner should take time to understand what the other might be feeling.
Mutual trust and respect. Each person should value who the other is and understand the other person’s boundaries. Partners should place trust in each other and give each other the benefit of the doubt.
Support. Both partners in a healthy relationship should support each other's personal growth and encourage each other to pursue their goals and dreams.
Independence. Neither partner should have to compromise who they are, and their identity should not be based on a partner’s. Each should continue seeing their friends and doing the things they love.
Consent. Dating partners should engage in a relationship that both are comfortable with, and neither partner should feel pressured or forced to engage in sexual activity that is outside their comfort zone.
An unhealthy relationship would be the opposite of these characteristics: a lack of communication, trust, respect, support, and boundaries. Everyone has conflicts sometimes, and unhealthy behaviors can crop up occasionally. But if you’re not resolving the conflicts well, and it feels like a power struggle all the time, it may be time to communicate your concerns with your partner, seek outside help, or reconsider the relationship.
What are signs of an abusive relationship?
In an abusive relationship, one person is making all the decisions. 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. An abusive relationship may include any of the various types of abuse, such as physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, digital, or stalking. Here are some signs from your partner that you may be in an abusive relationship:
Checking your phone, email, or social media accounts without your permission.
You are put down frequently, especially in front of others.
Isolating you from friends or family (physically, financially, or emotionally).
Extreme jealousy or insecurity.
Explosive outbursts, temper, or mood swings.
Any form of physical harm.
Possessiveness or controlling behavior.
Pressuring you or forcing you to have sex.
Abusive behavior is unlikely to stop. If you are experiencing abuse, call the National Domestic Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. You can also set up a safety plan to improve your safety in different scenarios on their website: https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-your-personal-safety-plan/
Want to know more about forming healthy relationships?
Options Mankato uses the REAL Essentials curriculum to teach healthy relationship skills. Our team of educators travels to schools in the greater Mankato area so that kids and teens can build a solid foundation for future relationships. In addition, anyone who is pregnant or has a child three years or younger can take our adult REAL Essentials course.
Contact us today and start your journey toward stronger, healthier relationships:
