What are relationships?

A relationship is the way two or more people are connected. There are many types of relationships:

  • Family relationships
  • Friendships
  • Acquaintances
  • Romantic relationships
  • Sexual relationships
  • Work relationships

Relationships can be healthy, unhealthy, or abusive. While it’s common to disagree or argue in relationships, sometimes it can be toxic and leave a person feeling insecure and scared. 

What's a healthy relationship?

Healthy relationships are based on equality and respect:

  • There is trust.
  • There is support.
  • There is communication.
  • There is happiness. 

What's an unhealthy relationship?

Unhealthy relationships are based on attempts to control the other person:

  • There is dishonesty.
  • There are struggles for control.
  • There are breaks in communication.
  • There is inconsiderate behaviour. 

 

Abusive relationships are based on an imbalance of power and control:

  • There is manipulation.
  • There is physical fighting.
  • There is yelling.
  • One person makes all the decisions.