The Basics
What makes a relationship healthy?
In a healthy relationship:
- Both people feel respected, supported, and valued
- Decisions are made together
- Both people have friends and interests outside of the relationship
- Disagreements are settled with open and honest communication
- There are more good times than bad
What makes a relationship unhealthy?
In an unhealthy relationship:
- One person tries to change the other
- One person makes most or all of the decisions
- One or both people drop friends and interests outside of the relationship
- One person yells, threatens, hits, or throws things during arguments
- One person makes fun of the other’s opinions or interests
- One person keeps track of the other all the time by calling, texting, or checking in with other friends
- There are more bad times than good
People in unhealthy relationships may have many excuses to try to explain away the hurtful parts of the relationship. If you see these signs, talk to your teen.
