What does a healthy relationship look like?
Domestic violence is an example of a very unhealthy relationship. But what does that even mean? And what does a healthy relationship actually look like?
TRUST
RESPECT FOR BOUNDARIES
STRONG COMMUNICATION
What are some qualities of a healthy relationship?
Trust allows a person to feel safe to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns with another person without fear of judgment or betrayal.
Strong communication helps people in a relationship understand each other more clearly. It gives them a way to share their thoughts, feelings, and needs, and makes it easier to work through problems in a positive way.
Respecting boundaries helps people feel safe, heard, and in control of their own body, feelings, and space. It’s about listening when someone says “no,” giving people space when they need it, and not pushing someone to do something they don’t want to do.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
It’s normal to have arguments or disagreements in a relationship, but in a healthy relationship, people can work through those problems together. Using kind words, being honest, and listening openly are all signs of solving conflict in a respectful and positive way.
FAIRNESS
When a relationship is fair, both people take turns, make decisions together, and respect each other’s opinions. Fairness helps build trust, respect, and balance—so no one feels left out, bossed around, or ignored. It teaches that both people matter, and that working together makes the relationship stronger and happier.
Care is important in a relationship because it helps people feel loved, supported, and safe. When someone shows they care—by listening, helping, or just being there—it builds trust and a strong emotional connection. It reminds each person that they matter, especially during tough times.
CARE
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
It’s normal to have arguments or disagreements in a relationship, but in a healthy relationship, people can work through those problems together. Using kind words, being honest, and listening openly are all signs of solving conflict in a respectful and positive way.
FAIRNESS
When a relationship is fair, both people take turns, make decisions together, and respect each other’s opinions. Fairness helps build trust, respect, and balance—so no one feels left out, bossed around, or ignored. It teaches that both people matter, and that working together makes the relationship stronger and happier.
CARE
Care is important in a relationship because it helps people feel loved, supported, and safe. When someone shows they care—by listening, helping, or just being there—it builds trust and a strong emotional connection. It reminds each person that they matter, especially during tough times.
Does having problems or disagreements mean a relationship is unhealthy?
No, not necessarily! It can be perfectly normal for disagreements to occur in a healthy relationship! But these disagreements should never cause a person to fear harm or feel like they are not enough. If you are not sure if a relationship is healthy or not, you can try talk to a trusted adult or ask for advice from the Family Relationship Advice Line.
No not at all, it can be perfectly normal for disagreements to occur in a healthy relationship! But these disagreements should never cause a person to fear harm or feel like they are not enough. If you are not sure if a relationship is healthy or not, you can try talk to a trusted adult or ask for advice from the Family Relationship Advice Line.
NO RESPECT
NOT LISTENING
CONTROLLING
What are some qualities of an unhealthy relationship?
No respect in a relationship means not valuing the other person’s feelings, opinions, or personal space. When someone doesn’t show respect, they might ignore what you say, be rude, or treat you like your feelings don’t matter. This can make you feel hurt, sad, or unimportant.
Controlling behavior is unhealthy because it takes away a person’s freedom to make their own choices. When someone tries to control what you do, who you see, or how you feel, it can make you feel trapped, powerless, or scared. No one should have to follow strict rules just to keep someone else happy.
Not listening is a problem in a relationship because it makes the other person feel ignored and unimportant. When someone doesn’t listen, it’s hard to share feelings or solve problems together. It can make you feel like your thoughts and feelings don’t matter, which can hurt the trust and connection between people.
Lying is a bad quality in a relationship because it breaks trust. When someone lies, it’s hard to believe what they say or feel safe around them. Lying can also make people feel confused, hurt, or betrayed.
LYING
JEALOUSY
Jealousy can be a problem in a relationship because it can cause hurt feelings and make people feel controlled or trapped. When someone is jealous, they might get upset if you spend time with other friends or do things on your own. This can make you feel like you’re not trusted or that you have to choose between people, which isn’t fair.
When someone guilt-trips you, they might say things like, “If you really cared about me, you would…” or “I’m hurt because of you.” This can make you feel pressured, confused, or upset, even if you haven’t done anything wrong. Healthy relationships don’t use guilt to get what they want. Instead, they rely on honest talking and understanding.
