HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Healthy intimate partner relationships are grounded in mutual respect, trust, and safety. In these relationships, both partners feel heard, valued, and supported—able to grow as individuals and together. A healthy relationship allows you to express yourself without fear, make decisions as a team, and feel secure knowing that love doesn’t come with conditions or control. Everyone deserves a relationship that honors who they are.
Foundations of a Healthy Relationship
Healthy relationships aren’t perfect, but they are built on mutual care, trust, and respect. In a safe and supportive relationship, both people feel heard, valued, and free to be their authentic selves. Here are some signs that your relationship is rooted in love—not control, fear, or obligation.
In A Loving Relationship...
• You feel safe expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs. • Boundaries are respected—emotionally, physically, and personally. • You’re supported during difficult times, not blamed or dismissed. • Disagreements are handled with calm, honest communication—not fear or threats. • Trust is mutual, and there’s no pressure to prove your loyalty or whereabouts. • Affection and love are given freely, not based on conditions or behavior. • You both maintain your independence and support each other’s growth. • Time with friends, family, or alone is respected—not controlled or resented. • You feel accepted for who you are, without being pressured to change. • Both partners take accountability, listen, and work to improve together.
Respect Starts with Consent
Consent is the clear and voluntary agreement to participate in any activity—especially in intimate or physical situations. It's about mutual respect, open communication, and making sure all parties feel safe and comfortable. While consent is often discussed in the context of sex or physical touch, it applies to many areas of a relationship. And remember: “yes” means yes and "no" means no.
Key Principles of Consent
Freely Given: Consent should never be pressured, manipulated, or coerced. If someone feels obligated, it’s not real consent.
Reversible: A person can change their mind at any time—even if they previously said yes.
Informed: Everyone needs to know exactly what they’re agreeing to. There should be no deception or withholding of key information.
Enthusiastic: Consent should come with a clear, excited “yes”—not silence, uncertainty, or hesitation.
Specific: Saying yes to one thing (like kissing) doesn’t mean yes to everything else.
Recognizing Unhealthy Dynamics—and What to Do Next
Not all relationships feel safe, respectful, or loving—and if you're questioning yours, that concern is valid. Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard in their relationship. If something doesn’t feel right, you are not alone, and there are steps you can take at your own pace.
In A Toxic Relationship...
• They avoid responsibility and say things like “you made me do this.” • Your partner tries to control what you wear, who you see, or how you spend your time. • You feel like you're walking on eggshells or constantly trying to avoid conflict. • They accuse you of things you haven’t done or act as if they own you. • You're discouraged or forbidden from seeing loved ones or seeking outside support. • Your partner puts you down, mocks your thoughts, or makes you feel small. • You feel like you can’t be honest without starting a fight or being punished. • They raise their voice, punch walls, or use threats to create fear. • Your comfort, safety, or opinions are often dismissed or ignored.
Options and Support—At Your Pace
Talk to someone you trust. Confide in a friend, therapist, or hotline advocate—it can help to hear your thoughts out loud.
Create a safety plan. Whether you're staying, thinking of leaving, or unsure, safety planning can help you feel more prepared.
Document what’s happening. Keeping track of incidents (safely and privately) may help clarify patterns or support legal steps later.
Know your worth. You deserve love that’s built on respect—not fear or control.
Reach out to us. We’re here to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Call our 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 301-645-3336.