What defines a healthy relationship? How can you tell if your relationship is truly healthy? These are common questions people may ask themselves, especially during challenging times. Understanding the dynamics of a relationship is essential to recognizing whether it's healthy, unhealthy, or abusive. Here's a breakdown of key signs in each type of relationship.
A healthy relationship is founded on:
- Honest communication
- Mutual respect and trust
- Quality time together and apart
- Shared values and goals
- Teamwork
- Consent in intimacy
An unhealthy relationship means you and your partner are:
- Not communicating
- Lacking honesty and trust
- Only spending time together
- Feeling pressured
- Experiencing hostility or avoidance
Abuse occurs in a relationship when one partner is:
- Using hurtful or threatening communication
- Mistreating the other
- Verbal, physical, or sexual violence
- Making false accusations
- Denying harmful behavior
- Being controlling or manipulative
- Isolating their partner from others
If you realize you're in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, it's essential to prioritize your well-being. It can be overwhelming to know where to begin, so here are some steps to help guide you through this challenging time.
- Talk to someone: a trusted friend, family member, counselor, or BeWell for support.
- Set boundaries: If it is safe, communicate what behaviors are unacceptable.
- Assess your options: decide weather the relationship can improve or if it is best to walk away.
- Know when to leave: If the relationship harms you, walking away may be best.
- Create a safety plan: if the relationship is abusive, plan or safety and know who to contact for help. A resource to use is the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or Carruth Counseling Center Urgent Crisis Clinic/ After Hours Line 304-293-4431
Relationships can be difficult to navigate but they should be not all the time. Your partner needs to fill your cup does not drain you. You deserve respect and safety in any relationship. Don't hesitate to seek help and take care of yourself!
References
Healthy relationships. The Hotline. (2022, January 7). https://www.thehotline.org/resources/healthy-relationships/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Characteristics of teen dating violence. Youth.gov. Retrieved January 14, 2025, from https://youth.gov/youth-topics/teen-dating-violence/characteristics