What Is a Healthy Relationship?

October 17, 2022

Dr. Benyamin Mansoori

MD, FRACGP, FACAM
Advance Diploma in General Dermatology
Diploma of Cosmetic Medicine

What is a healthy relationship?

A healthy relationship is built upon respect, safety and trust. You always have a right to respect and safety in all of your relationships. This applies to any relationships in your life such as those with your family, partners, ex-partners and work colleagues.

These relationships should make us feel valued and should enhance our lives by sharing the happy and challenging times with our significant others.

The hallmark indicators of a healthy relationship involve honesty, trust, respect, open communication, equality, understanding and both parties having mutually shared value systems.

What are the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship?

All relationships go through ups and downs that can involve disagreements and leave you feeling general unhappiness. Major life events and/or transitions often occur in stages that are often not linear. Our relationships should adapt and be supportive during these times, without compromising your safety or respect.

The warning signs of an unhealthy relationship may include controlling behaviour, hurting you on purpose, pressures you or persuades you, gaslights you, puts you down, threatens you or expresses extreme jealousy.

You should never feel unsafe in any relationship and many of these behaviours are a sign of abuse. Any behaviour that is reoccurring and makes you feel unsafe could also be a sign of abusive behaviour.

What should I do if I think my relationship is unhealthy or abusive?

If you are concerned for your immediate safety, contact emergency services as soon as possible.

You can access counselling and advice over the phone by calling 1800RESPECT who will take the time to discuss your current situation and refer you to the appropriate services to get the right help.