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Healthy relationships
In a healthy relationship, you and the other person talk honestly, listen well, and trust and respect each other. Keep reading for more info on each of these parts of a relationship. Plus, get some quick tips on how to build strong bonds.
Talking honestly
- You feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
- Anything private you share stays just between the two of you.
- You feel OK asking what's up if the other person seems upset.
- You can talk through conflicts.
Want to build healthy relationships?
You can start by connecting with — and liking — yourself. That way, you'll know what makes you happy. And you'll know that you deserve to be treated well. Check out our info on self-esteem and ways to connect with yourself.
- Quick tip: Being honest usually is better than avoiding your feelings. When you try to ignore your feelings, they can pop back up in nasty ways.
Listening well
- You care about what the other person has to say.
- You avoid distractions and look straight at the other person (and not at your phone!).
- Even if you don't agree, you try to see the other person's side.
Fabulous friends
"Good friends should build you up and never, ever tear you down."
Read more quotes about friendship from girls like you.
- Quick tip: Try repeating what you heard to make sure you understood what the other person meant.
Trust and respect
- You feel valued for who you truly are — not surface stuff, like your clothes or looks.
- You can rely on the other person to keep promises.
- You trust the other person to understand if you make a mistake.
- You trust that the other person will support you through good times and bad.
What's unhealthy?
Read about signs of problems and ways to leave an abusive relationship. You also can take a quiz to test your dating relationship.
- Quick tip: Try to show respect even when you argue. Learn ways to handle conflict calmly.
Give and take
- You're assertive. You feel OK asking for what you want (and you do it respectfully).
- You aren't aggressive. You don't try to get what you want by threatening or hurting the other person.
- You negotiate. That means both people trade ideas about what to do or how to handle an issue.
- You compromise. That means each of you gives up a bit of what you want to come to an agreement on an issue.
- Quick tip: Remember that parents sometimes set rules that are not open to negotiation. These are often rules made to keep you safe.
Content last reviewed September 16, 2015
Page last updated November 02, 2015
