Question

Compare and contrast characteristics of healthy versus unhealthy relationships

Answer 1

Sample Response:  A healthy relationship is based on trust and honesty. In a healthy relationship, partners practice mutual respect, make decisions together, and share their thoughts and emotions. In an unhealthy relationship, a partner may be controlling and possessive. The relationship may feel burdensome and/or be too much to handle. An unhealthy relationship can also lower a person's self-esteem and make a person feel bad about him or herself.

Answer 2

Take care of yourself and have good self-esteem independent of your relationshipMaintain and respect each other’s individualityMaintain relationships with friends and familyHave activities apart from one anotherAre able to express yourselves to one another without fear of consequencesAre able to feel secure and comfortableAllow and encourage other relationshipsTake interest in one another’s activitiesDo not worry about violence in the relationshipTrust each other and be honest with each otherHave the option of privacyHave respect for sexual boundariesAre honest about sexual activity if it is a sexual relationshipAccept influence. Relationships are give and take; allowing your partner to influence you is important; this can be especially difficult for some men.Resolve conflict fairly: Fighting is part of even healthy relationships, the difference is how the conflict is handled. Fighting fairly is an important skill you help you have healthier relationships.