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Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationship Signs

This page highlights key signs to look out for in relationships—whether you’re experiencing them yourself or noticing them in others. Healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and mutual care, while unhealthy relationships often involve control, manipulation, and emotional or physical harm.

 

The signs provided here are sourced from OneLove, an organization dedicated to educating and raising awareness about healthy relationships. We use this curriculum when teaching in schools to help students recognize and understand the dynamics of healthy and unhealthy relationships. Use these signs as a guide to ensure you and those around you are in relationships that promote well-being and safety.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Signs

Healthy
Relationship Signs

Trust
Honesty
Independence
Respect 
Equality 
Kindness
Healthy Conflict
Comfortable Pace
Taking Responsibility
Fun

Unhealthy
Relationship Signs

Intensity 

Possessiveness 

Deflecting responsibility

Manipulation

Sabotage

Isolation

Belittling

Guilting

Volatility

Betrayal  

Unhealthy
Image by Victor Rodriguez

Intensity

When someone expresses feelings and over-the top behavior that feels overwhelming 

Image by Jr Korpa

Possessiveness

When someone is jealous to a point where they try to control who you spend time with and what you do.

Unhealthy Relationship Signs

Image by Drew Beamer

Deflecting Responsibility

When someone repeatedly makes excuses for their unhealthy behavior.

Image by Jr Korpa

Manipulation

When someone tries to control your decisions, actions or emotions. 

Image by Rahul Viswanath

Sabotage

When someone purposely ruins your reputations, achievements, or success.

Image by Ingmar H

Isolation

When someone keeps you away from friends, family, or other people. 

Image by Jr Korpa

Belittling 

When someone does and says things to make you feel bad about yourself. 

Image by Jr Korpa

Guilting

When someone makes you feel responsible for their actions or makes you feel like it's your job to keep them happy. 

Image by Jason Leung

Volatility

When someone has a really strong, unpredictable reaction that makes you feel scared, confused or intimidated. 

Image by Cody  Chan

Betrayal

When someone is disloyal or acts in an intentionally dishonest way. 

Healthy
Image by Pawel Czerwinski

Trust

Confidence that your partner won't do anything to hurt you or ruin the relationship.

Image by Aaron Burden

Honesty

You can be truthful and candid without fearing how the other person will respond.

Healthy Relationship Signs

Image by Rose Erkul

Independence

You have space to be yourself outside of the relationship.

Image by Marek Szturc

Respect

You value one another's beliefs and opinions, and love one another for who you are as a person. 

Image by Annie Spratt

Equality

The relationship feels balanced and everyone puts the same effort into the success of the relationship.

Image by Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare

Kindness

You are caring and empathetic to one another, and provide comfort and support. 

Image by Alexander Grey

Healthy Conflict

Openly and respectfully discussing issues and confronting disagreements non-judgmentally. 

Image by Tatiana Zhukova

Comfortable Pace

The relationship moves at a speed the feels enjoyable for each person.

Image by Harris Vo

Taking Responsibility 

Owning your own actions and words.

Image by Pawel Czerwinski

Fun

You enjoy spending time together and bring out the best in each other.

Have Questions?

Do not hesitate to reach out to a SAFE San Juans Advocate. 

Please visit our Need Help? page for ways to get in contact with and advocate in your area.

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