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Healthy relationships

So what does a healthy relationship look like?

Healthy relationships look like this: 

Affection and kindness

  • They make you feel wanted and cared for
  • They give you compliments on the way you look and who you are
  • They like being around you, they aren’t afraid to hang out with you in public
  • They don’t put you down or embarrass you when you’re around their mates
  • You have fun together and feel good hanging out with each other

Safety and respect

  • You feel safe when you are around them
  • They respect when you say no and don’t try to pressure you or try to make you feel bad about it
  • If you want to end the relationship they respect your decision even if they are hurt
  • Getting it on is not the most important thing or only thing that happens
  • They never make threats or try intimidate you

Freedom and independence

  • You can be yourself without pretending
  • You feel okay to express what you think and feel without being judged or criticised
  • You can spend time on your own or with your friends and family and they respect that and don’t get jealous or mean
  • You feel comfortable hanging out with them and their mates
  • You have freedom to do the things you enjoy

Support and care

  • They show an interest in you and your life
  • They listen to you and support you when you feel down
  • They make an effort to get along with your family
  • They keep things private, they never talk about you behind your back, spread rumours or talk about very personal things with others, including how and when things get physical

Team work and togetherness

  • Decisions about where you hang out and what you do are made as a team
  • It’s okay to have disagreements or differing opinions without things getting nasty
  • If there is an argument – you will both make an effort to make things okay again
  • They are honest about how they feel and will own up when they’ve done something wrong
  • They don’t always make everything seem like it’s your fault
  • When things do get physical – they are gentle, respectful and only do what you both feel keen to do
  • They don’t make you choose between them and your friends, family or hobbies
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