Identifying elements of healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships is key. Being able to do this may help us work towards improvement and change in relationships. It may also indicate it is time for us to leave a relationship. While there are several elements to healthy relationships, some of the key components are:

• Being able to share feelings with your partner

• Actively listening to your partner and respecting each other’s points of view

• Talking to each other in a respectful manner when disagreements happen so that you can come to a resolution together that meets both of your needs

• Having open, honest, and transparent conversations about each other’s sexual and intimacy needs

• Respecting each other’s desire to spend time alone

• Avoiding talking harshly about each other or to each other

• No physical violence

These are just a few elements of a healthy relationship – what elements do you think contribute to a healthy relationship?

Credit: The information in this post has adapted Alberta Health Services guidelines for healthy relationships.