While there is no such thing as a perfect relationship, you deserve to feel safe and loved! Knowing what makes a relationship work is just as important as knowing what warning signs to look out for. Whether or not you are currently in a relationship, this list of 10 signs of a healthy relationship adapted from the One Love Foundation is a great place to start:
1. Comfortable Pace
The only “correct” pace for a relationship is the one that feels comfortable for everyone! You deserve a voice in how your relationship progresses.
2. Trust
Building trust can be difficult, especially after unhealthy or abusive relationships. It may take time, but your partner should give you reason to be confident that they will not hurt you and will be there for you when you need them.
3. Honesty
Your thoughts and feelings are valuable! Healthy relationships should be a safe space to express them.
4. Independence
You deserve to have friendships, hobbies, and goals that are just yours. Having space to be yourself outside of your relationship is important for both your personal and collective growth.
5. Respect
Your partner should love you for who you are right now! Everyone in your relationship deserves to have their beliefs and opinions valued.
6. Equality
While there may be times when one person cannot contribute as much, balance is the goal. Everyone should be putting intentionality and effort into the success of the relationship.
7. Kindness
Whether it be the little or big things, we all need moments that remind us that we matter. Partners should show each other support, care, and empathy in both the hard times and the good times.
8. Taking Responsibilities
Sometimes, our words and actions have impacts beyond what we intend. We all need to own the things we say and do, just as those in our lives should do the same.
9. Healthy Conflict
Disagreements are a natural part of relationships. What matters is approaching them with respect, openness, and without judgment. Even if you’re in an argument, you deserve to feel safe in your relationship!
10. Fun
It may seem obvious, but you should enjoy spending time with each other! Laughing and having fun together is a vital part of any relationship.
We ALL deserve to feel safe and happy in our relationships! That is why healthy relationship education is a key component of the updated physical and health education standards approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education in August 2023. We’re advocating to make sure that sex education includes healthy relationships, regardless of the political environment, through our support of the Healthy Youth Act. Take Action!
