Characteristics of Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships

Healthy Unhealthy Have fun together more often than not Enjoy spending time separately, with own friends, as well as together Feel safe together Trust each other Jealousy is present in the relationship Acting controlling or possessive Put downs, name calling, yelling etc… One person is afraid of the others temper

Healthy Unhealthy Support each others goals Respect each others opinions – even when different Can solve conflict without put downs, yelling, etc… Apologize when wrong Doesn’t take the other person or things that are important to them seriously Critical of the others friends or family Don’t listen when the other talks Pressure for sex or going further than the other is comfortable with

Healthy Unhealthy Threatens to hurt the other person Proud of each other Encourage each others interests, like sports – music etc… Respect each others privacy – phone, texts, diary etc.. Friends and family support the relationship Threatens to hurt the other person Threatens to hurt themselves Cheating Blaming other person for their own behavior

Healthy Unhealthy Smashes, throws things, etc… Have communicated and decided on physical boundaries in their relationship No pressure for going further sexually than you have decided Allows each other space when needed Smashes, throws things, etc… One person makes all the decisions about the relationship Mind games, manipulation Goes back on promises

Healthy Unhealthy Uses alcohol or drugs as an excuse for hurtful behavior Ignores or withdraws as a way of punishing the other Depends completely on other person for everything Can’t spend time apart