What Makes a Relationship Healthy?
Whether you’re dating, thinking about dating, or just curious, it’s important to know what a healthy relationship looks like. A good relationship is built on:
Trust – You feel safe sharing your thoughts and being yourself.
Respect – You both listen, value each other’s boundaries, and treat each other as equals.
Communication – You can talk openly about feelings, wants, and limits.
Support – You lift each other up instead of tearing each other down.
Consent – You check in before anything physical and respect each other’s choices every time.
Relationships should help you grow—not make you feel small, scared, or pressured.
Sex Doesn’t Equal Love
Sometimes people think sex automatically means someone loves you—or that you have to have sex to show love. That’s not true.
People can love each other deeply and choose not to have sex.
People can have sex without being in love.
Real love is shown through kindness, patience, honesty, and respect—not just physical closeness.
If someone says, “If you loved me, you would…”—that’s not love. That’s manipulation.
Talking About Sex With a Partner
Before anything physical happens, it’s important to talk. This can feel awkward at first, but it shows maturity and care.
You can say:
“What are you comfortable with?”
“Are you okay with this?”
“What does sex mean to you?”
“Do you want to use protection?”
It’s normal to feel nervous talking about this—but the more honest you are, the safer and more confident both people will feel.
When You're Not Ready
You are never too young to say no.
If you’re not ready for sex—physically, emotionally, or mentally—you have every right to wait. A good partner will respect that, no questions asked.
It’s okay to change your mind, to take things slowly, or to step away if you feel uncomfortable. Your body and your choices belong to you.
What If You Break Up?
Breakups happen—even in serious or long-term relationships. If you’ve had sex with someone, it’s normal to feel more connected, and that can make a breakup feel especially painful. That’s okay.
Here are some reminders:
You’re allowed to grieve.
Your worth isn’t defined by any relationship.
What you shared was real, and it doesn't lose value just because it ended.
It’s okay to talk to a trusted friend, adult, or counselor if you’re struggling.
Even heartbreak is part of learning about yourself and what kind of love you deserve.
Recognizing Unhealthy or Abusive Behavior
Not all relationships are safe or respectful. Watch out for these warning signs:
Controlling behavior (“You can’t talk to other people.”)
Pressure to do things you don’t want to do.
Insults, threats, or guilt-tripping.
Physical harm or fear.
If something feels off or unsafe, trust your gut. You deserve help, protection, and care. Talk to someone—a school counselor, teacher, parent, or hotline.
Your Relationship, Your Rules
You don’t need to follow what others are doing. You don’t need to be in a relationship to be complete. Whether you’re dating, single, curious, or not interested at all, your journey is valid.
What matters most is that you feel respected, safe, and in control of your decisions. Take a moment and show yourself what you have learned.
Thinking Questions:
1. How can someone tell that a relationship has healthy communication?
2. What should a person do if they feel uncomfortable during a conversation with their partner?
3. Why are clear boundaries important in communication?
4. What does emotional safety look like during a disagreement?
5. How can someone respectfully express a different opinion to their partner?