Relationship Issues

Relationship Issues

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

“In a healthy relationship:

  • * Both people feel respected, supported, and valued
  • * Decisions are made together
  • * Both people have friends and interests outside of the relationship
  • * Disagreements are settled with open and honest communication
  • * There are more good times than bad

In an unhealthy relationship:

  • * One person tries to change the other
  • * One person makes most or all of the decisions
  • * One or both people drop friends and interests outside of the relationship
  • * One person yells, threatens, hits, or throws things during arguments
  • * One person makes fun of the other’s opinions or interests
  • * One person keeps track of the other all the time by calling, texting, or checking in with friends
  • * OThere are more bad times than good

People in unhealthy relationships may have many excuses to try to explain away the hurtful parts of the relationship. Unfortunately, many teens have relationships that are unhealthy. About 1 in 10 teens report being physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year. Dating violence can have long-term effects for both partners – even after the relationship ends. By helping your teen develop the skills for healthy relationships, you can also help prevent the long-term effects of dating violence.