Navigating Healthy relationships and boundaries isÌýan essential part of our community.Ìý

Characteristics of Healthy Romantic RelationshipsÌý

Does your romantic relationship exhibit these qualities?Ìý

  • caring: partners care for each other and profess that caring openlyÌý

  • friendship: partners are friends first and have fun togetherÌý

  • acceptance: partners accept each other as they areÌý

  • open communication: partners listen to each other and say what's on their mindsÌý

  • trust: partners trust each other and are trustworthyÌý

  • equality: partners are equal in power and share decision-makingÌý

  • safety: partners respect each other's boundaries and resolve conflicts without violenceÌý

  • mutual support: partners support each other's goals and valuesÌý

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Warning Signs of Unhealthy RelationshipsÌý

Watch for these warning signs in your partner:Ìý

  • Controlling behavior: Your partner insists on always knowing where you are, who you are with, and what you are doing; your partner tries to prevent you from seeing friends and familyÌý

  • Jealousy: Your partner flies into a rage any time you pay attention to someone else and accuses you of being unfaithfulÌý

  • Disrespect: Your partner is mean or rude to youÌý

  • Violence: Your partner hits, slaps, shoves, kicks, punches, or otherwise physically abuses youÌý

  • Alcohol & Drugs: Your partner abuses alcohol or drugs and pressures you to do so as wellÌý

  • Exploitation: Your partner makes you do things sexually that you are uncomfortable withÌý

  • Secrecy: Your partner doesn't acknowledge you or your relationship openlyÌý

Watch for these warning signs in yourself:Ìý

  • You feel controlled, threatened, isolated, or put down by your partnerÌý

  • You always feel drained, anxious, or unsure of yourself around your partnerÌý

  • You argue about the same things again and againÌý

  • You often have sex but rarely go out togetherÌý

  • What you like most about the relationship is what your partner does for you (money, gifts, etc.)Ìý

  • You're so wrapped up inÌýtheÌýrelationship that you have no energy for your studies, hobbies, friends, or familyÌý

  • You would feel incomplete without a partnerÌý

If this describes your relationship, talk to a counselor for help.Ìý

Signs That a Friend May Need HelpÌý

Those who experience intimate partner violence or sexual abuse can be deeply affected.  They may feel vulnerable and need support to establish a new sense of normalcy.  Here are signs of concern:Ìý

  • strong emotions like anger, fear, anxiety, orÌýdepression;Ìý

  • low self-esteem, self-blaming, or suicidalÌýthoughts;Ìý

  • numbness, withdrawal, or lack ofÌýtrust;Ìý

  • increased alcohol or drug consumption.Ìý

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Appropriate sex is...Ìý

  • consensual: partners agree about what they do togetherÌý

  • non-exploitative: partners have equal power, and neitherÌýpressuresÌýorÌýforces the otherÌý

  • mutually pleasurable: both partners enjoy the experienceÌý

  • safe: low risk of unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, or emotional painÌý

  • developmentally appropriate: suitableÌýtoÌýthe age and maturity of theÌýpersonsÌýinvolvedÌý

  • caring: partners have mutual expectations and affection for one anotherÌý

  • respectful: partners value honesty and keeping commitments made to othersÌý

  • private: in your own space, not viewed or shared by othersÌý