Hi Readers!
This week’s article is about healthy relationships. Now, more than ever, relationships are being put to the test; with extra stress, being homebound, being 24/7 with your partner and house-sharing.
Have you found yourself thinking about what is a healthy relationships, are you feeling like yourself in your relationships?
So, what is a healthy relationship?
A healthy relationship is about showing mutual respect. There are 6 components of a healthy relationship, which are (in no particular order):
- Accountability: Admitting mistakes or when wrong, accepting responsibility for behaviours, attitudes & values.
- Safety: Refusing to intimidate or manipulate, respecting physical space, expressing yourself in a non-violent way.
- Honesty: Communicate openly and truthfully.
- Support: Supporting each others choices, being understanding, offering encouragement, listening non-judgementally, valuing the other’s opinions.
- Cooperation: Asking for something, not expecting it. Accepting change. Making decisions together. Willing to compromise. Win/Win solutions to conflict.
- Trust: Accepting each others word. Giving the benefit of the doubt.
Remember that in every relationship, you have rights as well as responsibilities.
| YOUR RIGHTS | YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES |
| – Being treated as an equal – Being respected – Expressing your needs, emotions & feelings – Having support – Expressing different tastes, likes, opinions, ideas & dreams – Having your own beliefs and values – Having your own activities – Seeing your family & friends – Setting personal boundaries – Preserving your intimacy until YOU decide to share it – Expressing your wants in a sexual relationship – Saying NO to a sexual relationship – Protecting yourself from an unwanted pregnancy and/or STI – Feeling safe – Ending the relationship |
– Treating the other person as your equal – Setting your limits – Taking care of your wellbeing – Listening to what the other person has to say – Staying attentive to other’s needs – Respecting the other person’s boundaries – Respecting other’s beliefs and values – Supporting the other person – Being respectful when resolving issues or a fight – Sharing tasks, house chores, etc. – Maintaining your friends & family circle – Keeping your intimacy and your personal space respected – Being aware of your own safety & security – Getting help when you need it – Taking the necessary measures to protect yourself from an unwanted pregnancy and/or STI – Expressing your needs, emotions & feelings |
Be kind to one another!
Julia, Sexologist
Julia, Sexologist 