How to Decide If a Relationship Is Healthy?
Maintaining healthy relationships in both your friendships and with your partner means that there is equal respect, trust and companionship. All relationships require effort and maintenance to avoid negative and potentially damaging behavior. Evaluating your own personal relationships first requires being honest with yourself about the company you keep and your own lifestyle choices.
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Instructions
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Talk to him openly about your feelings. Being able to express yourself and being honest is the best foundation for any healthy relationship. If your relationship is healthy, he should respond positively to your words, and feel free to express himself openly in response.
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Consider how your relationship makes you feel. St. Joseph's University notes that you may feel guilt when you are not obeying her, and as a result, you may become isolated from healthy influences in your life.
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Evaluate the influence he has on your life. People with manipulative personalities will often try to control not only your personal relationship, but also other aspects of your life, such as your work and social activities. Womenshealth.gov notes that a common sign of an unhealthy relationship is when only one person makes the decisions in a relationship.
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Consult your family members, close friends or church leader for insight into the situation. If the majority of the people in your life are concerned by your relationship, ask for insight and be willing to take some constructive criticism. Seeking the professional help of a licensed counselor is another way to help evaluate your relationship.
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Know that you are not alone if you are in an unhealthy relationship. Iona College reminds us that the surgeon general ranks abuse by husbands and partners as the leading cause of injuries to women ages 15 to 44.
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Tips & Warnings
While the signs of an unhealthy relationship may not be evident to your loved ones, if you need to question whether or not your relationship is healthy, the chances are it isn't. A healthy relationship is equal for both partners, is not threatening, and encourages healthy behavior.
You can ask her to visit your doctor, a counselor or a church leader to discuss ways to improve your relationship. If she is unwilling to go with you, be sure to get help for yourself.
If she becomes verbally or physically abusive, contact your local police department or call 911 immediately.
You may also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for help and advice on resolving an unhealthy relationship.
