Healthy relationships

Healthy relationship checklist

If you and your partner are enjoying a healthy relationship, you’ll treat each other with honesty and respect, pursue your own interests and friendships outside of each other, and spend most of your time together enjoying each other’s company. Our checklist below will help you work out whether or not your relationship is healthy.

• Does your partner respect your feelings, your opinions and your friends?
• Does your partner accept you saying no to things you don't want to do (like sex)?
• Do you feel safe?
• Do you feel comfortable being yourself around your partner?
• Is your partner jealous or possessive?
• Does your partner try to control what you wear, where you go or what you do?
• Does your partner physically hurt you?
• Does your partner ever call you names or threaten you?

If you have answered 'no' to any of these questions, you could be in an unhealthy relationship.

It may seem awkward or embarrassing opening up about your personal relationships, but it’s important to speak up and talk to your parents or an adult you trust if you think something is wrong. You might be surprised: most people have experienced relationships in some form and you will probably find that they have had similar experiences to you and can offer some good advice.

If you think your relationship might be unhealthy, you can also read our advice about abusive relationships, or come to us for free, strictly confidential advice and support by calling our Family Lives helpline on 0808 800 2222.