10.1: Healthy Relationships
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships
Sometimes a relationship might not be abusive, but it might have some serious problems that make it unhealthy. If you think you might be in an unhealthy relationship, you should be able to talk to your partner about your concerns. If you feel like you can’t talk to your partner, try talking to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor. Consider calling a confidential hotline to get the support you need and to explore next steps. If you’re afraid to end the relationship, call a hotline for help.
Signs of an unhealthy relationship include:
- Focusing all your energy on your partner
- Dropping friends and family or activities you enjoy
- Feeling pressured or controlled a lot
- Having more bad times in the relationship than good
- Feeling sad or scared when with your partner
Signs of a healthy relationship include:
- Having more good times in the relationship than bad
- Having a life outside the relationship, with your own friends and activities
- Making decisions together, with each partner compromising at times
- Dealing with conflicts by talking honestly
- Feeling comfortable and able to be yourself
- Feeling able to take care of yourself
- Feeling like your partner supports you
Click here to further explore what Healthy Relationships are all about.
Contributors and Attributions
Public Domain Content
- Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships. Authored by: Office on Women's Health. Provided by: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Located at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/violence-against-women/am-i-being-abused/ . License: Public Domain: No Known Copyright