Healthy vs. Unhealthy vs. Abusive
Each February, young adults and their loved ones across the nation raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This effort focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.
One topic we would like to share is about the many labels that can be put on dating relationships, and how sometimes it can be difficult to determine if a relationship is healthy, unhealthy, or abusive. Understanding the signs of each can help youth determine whether they should be in a dating relationship or not.
Healthy
- good communication
- equal
- honest
- trustful
- making mutual choices
- respectful
Unhealthy
- lack of communication
- dishonest
- trying to have control
- pressured into activities
Abusive
- harmful communication
- controlling
- isolating
- mistreatment
- denying actions
Having open conversations about what healthy relationships should look like will help guide youth into healthier situations and allow them to be able to read the signs of unhealthy or abusive relationships.
Visit the resources linked below to learn more about healthy relationships, and check out our Youth Advisory Council’s teen dating and sexual violence prevention campaign here.
Make sure to follow LifeSmart Youth on social media! You can find us by clicking the links below or searching “LifeSmart Youth.”