Dating Violence: Defining Healthy Relationships
University Police
Victim Services 561-297-0500
How many of the following are present in your relationship?
- You feel safe and comfortable with each other. You play, laugh, and have fun.
- Communication is open and spontaneous - you listen to each other and feel that you are heard. You decide things together.
- You can express your feelings without fear of your partner's reactions. You can talk about conflict directly, and resolve it with win-win outcomes.
- Rules and boundaries are clear and defined, yet allow for flexibility if you desire change. Both of you feel free to express your needs.
- Feelings and needs are expressed, appreciated, and respected by both.
- You can be together as a couple without losing your sense of yourself.
- Personal growth, change and exploration are encouraged for each and by each.
- Your lives outside the relationship make your relationship stronger. Other meaningful relationships and interests exist for both partners.
- You each take responsibility for your own behaviors and happiness.
- Your partner does not try to change or control you when you disagree.
- You can say "no" without feeling guilty about it.
- You can really trust each other. You must feel trust and you have reason to trust. You each work hard to be trustworthy for the other.
- There is a balance of giving and receiving in your relationship. Equality is both affirmed and celebrated.
- Each person can enjoy being alone, and requests for privacy are respected.
- Both people recognize that any violence is unacceptable.
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