Expect Respect

And know how to differentiate between a healthy, unhealthy and an abusive relationship.

Respect has a huge impact in everyday life. We are taught at a young age to respect adults, our parents, and even our peers. To respect someone is to acknowledge them with value, acceptance and courtesy, and to show them consideration. While respect is important in all aspects of life, it is especially important to have a high level of respect when involved in an intimate relationship, as healthy relationships are built on a foundation of respect, and will likely fail if you and your partner don’t have respect for one another.

A Healthy Relationship

A healthy relationship means that both you and your partner are…

Communicating

You talk openly about problems without shouting or yelling. You listen to one another, hear each other out,respect each other’s opinions, and are willing to compromise.

Respectful

You value each other as you are. Culture, beliefs, opinions and boundaries are valued. You treat each other in a way that demonstrates the high esteem you hold for one another.

Trusting

You both trust each other, and the trust has been earned.

Honest

You are both honest with each other but can still choose to keep certain things private. For example, you both know that it is important to be honest about things that affect or involve the relationship and still know that it is also okay to keep certain things private.

Equal

You make decisions together and you hold each other to the same standards.

Enjoy Personal Space

You both enjoy spending time apart and respect when one of you voices a need for space.

Make consensual sexual decisions