What Does A Healthy Relationship Look Like?
HEALTHY
All relationships exist on a spectrum from healthy to abusive with unhealthy somewhere in the middle. A healthy relationship means that both you and your partner are:
- Communicating: You talk openly about problems and listen to one another. You respect each other’s opinions.
- Respectful: You value each other as you are.
- Trusting: You believe what your partner has to say. You do not feel the need to “prove” each other’s trustworthiness.
- Honest: You are honest with each other, but can still keep some things private.
- Equal: You make decisions together and hold each other to the same standard.
- Enjoying personal time: You both enjoy spending time apart, alone or with others. You respect each other’s need for time apart.
- Making mutual sexual choices: You talk openly about sexual and reproductive choices together. You both willingly consent to sexual activity and can safely discuss what you are and are not comfortable with.
- Economic/financial partners: You and your partner have equal say with regard to finances. Both partners have access to the resources they need.
- Engaging in supportive parenting: Both partners are able to parent in a way they feel comfortable with. You communicate together about the needs of the child(ren), as well as the needs of both parents.
Source: The National Domestic Violence Hotline