Healthy Relationships

A healthy relationship will have many different aspects and qualities, but overall, a healthy relationship makes you feel good and positive about yourself and them. Common things that make up healthy relationships include:

Good Communication: You should feel comfortable talking openly without fear of being judged. You can discuss anything—stress, mental health, or feelings—and both people listen and support each other.

Compromise: A healthy relationship involves meeting halfway. You may not always agree, but finding a balance is key.

Trust: You should feel safe and know the other person won’t hurt you physically or emotionally.

Time Apart: It’s important to have personal space. Spending time with friends, family, or doing hobbies helps keep the relationship balanced.

Individuality: You should still be yourself and not feel pressured to change. It’s healthy to have your own interests and activities.

Intimacy: Intimacy isn’t just about sex—it can include hugging, cuddling, or holding hands. You should feel comfortable talking about boundaries and what feels right for you.

Supporting Growth: Healthy relationships allow both people to grow and achieve their goals, supporting each other through changes.

Sometimes unhealthy relationships and abusive relationships can be difficult to realise you are in. This is often because of the things the other partner may do or say which can make you think that the relationship is normal. Below are some of the signs that you may experience that can tell you that you might be in an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Overall these kinds of relationships may make you feel sad/confused most of the time.

Controlling Behaviour: They tell you what to wear, who to see, or track where you are.

Constant Messaging: They expect instant replies and get angry if you don’t respond.

Put-Downs: They make you feel small, embarrass you, or ignore your feelings.

Jealousy: They are jealous of your friends, family, or achievements.

Blame and Guilt: They blame you for their actions and make you feel guilty.

Violence and Threats: Any form of violence or threats is abuse.

Gaslighting: They deny things that happened, making you question yourself.

Unpredictable Behaviour: They switch between being nice and angry, leaving you confused.

Conflict: Constant arguments without resolution are unhealthy, especially if it makes you feel scared.

If you think you’re in an abusive relationship, it’s important to remember that you deserve to feel safe, respected, and valued. The first step could be to talk to someone you trust; a friend, family member, or a professional who can support you. It can be hard to leave or speak out, but there is help available, and you don’t have to go through it alone.