Some subjects in the field of sexual health require adaptation depending on someone’s age. Ten-year-old’s don’t require condom use skills but safe touch vs. unsafe touch can be taught as soon as a child learns to speak. Consent for hugs and high fives can be useful to an 8-year-old and sexual consent can be useful to an 18 year old.
But healthy relationships? Turns out those lessons don’t change!
Healthy relationships are all the rage in sex ed because that’s the base for quality sexual health and well-being. Those who can recognize a healthy relationship (and recognize when these signs are missing) are more likely to make healthy choices for themselves when it comes to potential sexual partners.
So here are seven signs of a healthy relationship that someone can look for at any age:
- Both people are supportive of each other. They cheer on one another as they go through life and encourage one another to pursue what makes them happy and healthy.
- Both people know how to communicate. They can state their needs while knowing they are not entitled to the other person dropping everything to meet those needs.
- Both people know how to listen. It’s the other half of communication and it means both partners go in with an open mind to hearing what the other person has to say.
- Both people respect boundaries. If someone doesn’t feel comfortable, the other person doesn’t pressure or push.
- Both people are kind to each other. Healthy relationships don’t belittle, embarrass, or exclude either partner.
- Both people value each other. Everyone involved feels like they can be themselves and come as they are – and be celebrated for that!
- Both people are honest with each other. The truth isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Did you notice anything interesting about this list?
Maybe that it…
… is not exclusive to romantic relationships? These are actually signs of a healthy relationship for ANY type of relationship. This includes friendships and even familial relationships.
… did not include anything about being physical? Physical touch can add to a relationship is both parties are on the same page about the level of physicality. In a romantic relationship, this may include some level of intimate touch but may not always include sex. No amount of physical touch implies that a relationship is healthy.
… did not include self-sacrifice or place one partners priorities above another? Healthy relationships consist of equals, and these signs exhibit equality in a relationship. There aren’t some things on this list that only apply to one partner, everything should come from both!
Would you add anything else to this list? Let us know and share out with anyone who could use a good reminder of what a healthy relationship looks like.