Perspectives
on Healthy Relationships
The following are real quotes from
young people who were
asked: What does a healthy relationship mean to you?
Everyone has a different idea of what a healthy relationship is, though there
are some common themes throughout. We have gathered a diverse sampling of
young people—with varied race, sexual orientation, gender identity,
nationality, and backgrounds.
In
a healthy relationship the person you are with respects you and your
opinion and is willing to listen to you.
—Carmin, 21
To me a healthy relationship is one based on honesty. If you
are that close to another person, you don't have to be afraid to tell
them that you're
attracted to someone else or that you think there is a small kink in your
own relationship. This way, the little things don't have to turn into
big things
and talking about the little things can sometimes become great conversation.
—Adena, 17
A huge part of a healthy relationship is open communication.
If you can't talk to your partner openly about your feelings, likes and
hesitations,
then you're not going to get far.
—Jennie, 22
To me, a healthy relationship is one where I receive respect
from my partner—respect for who I am and respect for the right
that I have to make my own decisions about my body.
—Naina, 19
A healthy relationship is, among other things, well rounded.
Being able to do things together that you both enjoy, having meaningful
conversations,
maintaining individuality, and staying open to new things are all characteristics
that make a relationship thrive over time.
—Melissa, 21
I think a healthy relationship is one in which both people
feel loved, welcomed, cared for, respected, equal, and honest. It
is one that
gives people "me" time, but also "us" time. Above all, it is a relationship
that there must be communication, love, honesty, respect, and equality.
—Sean, 25
Healthy relationships are mutually respectful, energizing
partnerships that add intimacy and connection
to life without harming other relationships.
—Ben, 20
In a healthy relationship I would feel completely comfortable
with the other person. Right now I am single and I think that it is okay
to be single,
cause you can do what you want. You can take time to learn about yourself
because you don't have to always think about your partner. And you can
not shave your
legs for like 6 months, cause no one will notice!
—Liesbeth, 19
To me, a healthy relationship has a foundation of trust, mutual
respect, support, and fun.
—Jamie, 24
In a healthy relationship, my partner and I would be able
to have open conversation about whatever is going through our lives
at the
time.
This should
hold true not only for "intimate" relationships, but friendships and
families as well. The hard part, I think, is how to get the conversation
started. I know
I have had times where I really wanted to say something to my partner
or friend or family member … but just didn't know how to start
the conversation. Actually I wasn't sure if I was ready to have the conversation.
But I guess that is part
of the spice of life … we can't control everything.
—Lawrence, 21
MORE INFORMATION >>
Relationships >> What Is
Healthy? :: Partner Communication :: Feeling
Words :: Quotes & Perspectives
Related Articles >> Bill of Dating Rights :: Dating
Violence Warning Signs :: Dating Violence Resources
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