Everyone Deserves a Healthy Relationship

Journey Center believes that everyone deserves a safe, healthy relationship- if they want a relationship. We believe that everyone regardless of gender or gender expression, race, culture, and/or sexual orientation is worthy of a safe, healthy relationship. But, what does that mean? What exactly is a healthy relationship? And how do you know if your relationship is healthy or not?

It’s important to first recognize that relationships, like most things, exist on a spectrum. Relationships are not inherently “healthy” or “abusive”. A relationship may fall into an “unhealthy” category at times and a relationships may move back and forth on the spectrum throughout the course of a relationship (but they should NEVER be abusive!). When a relationship starts to move towards unhealthy patterns and behaviors it’s important to have a conversation with your partner about what both partners can do to move the relationship back to healthy through actions and behaviors (and recognizing that breakups are okay… being in an unhealthy or abusive relationship is not). We must recognize that disagreements and misunderstanding will happen; but when they do each partner feels safe bringing up their feelings and opinions.

Every healthy relationship is built on a few, key characteristics (adapted from One Love Foundation):

• Trust

  • Each person in the relationship has confidence that their partner won’t do anything to hurt them or ruin the relationship

  • Trust comes easily (and builds as a relationship progresses) and neither partner feels as though they have to question their partner’s intentions

  • Each partner respect’s privacy and would never put their partner through a “test” to prove loyalty

• Honesty

  • Each partner can be truthful and candid without fearing how their partner will respond

  • Your partner may not always like what you have to say, but will respond to disappointing news in a kind, considerate, thoughtful, and safe manner

• Comfortable Pace

  • The relationship moves at a speed that feels enjoyable for each person in the relationship

  • In a healthy relationship, no one feels rushed or pressured in a way that makes them feel overwhelmed or as though the relationship is moving too quickly

• Independence

  • Each person in the relationship has space to be themselves outside of the relationship

  • Each partner is supportive of their partner’s individuals hobbies, activities, and relationships with others

• Kindness

  • Partners are caring and empathetic to one another and provide comfort and support

  • Kindness should be a two-way street- it is both given and returned in a relationship

• Taking Responsibility

  • Recognize that everyone makes mistakes- when mistakes are made each partner owns their actions and words; and actively works to change their behaviors and actions, when needed

  • Each partner takes ownership for the impact their words or behavior had, even if it wasn’t their intention to cause harm

• Respect

  • Each partner values one another’s beliefs and opinions, even if they are different from their own, and love and respect their partner for who they are

  • Each person in the relationship is comfortable setting boundaries and are confident that the their partner will respect them and their boundaries

• Equality

  • The relationship feels balanced and everyone puts the same effort into the success of the relationship

  • Each partner feels as though their your needs, wishes and interests are just as important as the other person’s

• Fun

  • A healthy relationship should feel easy

  • A relationship doesn’t bring your mood down but cheers you up

  • Recognize that no relationship is fun 100% of the time, but the good times outweigh the bad

• Healthy Conflict

  • Partner’s feel comfortable openly and respectfully discussing issues and confronting disagrees in a non-judgmental way

  • Conflict is a normal and expected part of any relationship. Everyone has disagreements, and that’s OK! (What’s not okay is abusing your partner when you disagree)

  • Each partner should feel safe disagreeing with their partner

Every person deserves a relationship that builds them up, that supports them -unconditionally- in good times and bad, and makes them feel safe, secure, and loved. Whether in a new relationship, a relationship that you’ve been in for awhile, or someone who is starting to date again remember: you are worth safe, supportive love.

We are always here for you when you need to talk. Call or text our 24-Hour Helpline: 216.391.4357 (HELP) or live chat.