Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships
| Healthy | Unhealthy |
|---|---|
| Trust | Lacks trust; jealousy may be present |
| Honesty; spontaneity | Abuser only sees what he/she wants to see, and deceives the significant other and self. |
| Openness | Abuser is closed, private, unwilling to share anything about one’s own thoughts, wants and emotions. |
| Open Communication | Messages are closed, unclear and one-sided. |
| Understanding | No effort is made to become aware of the significant other’s needs, feelings, or wants. |
| Flexibility/Compromise | Inflexible; compromise only occurs when abuser’s demands are met, or when the abuser is trying to make up after abuse has occurred. |
| Clear Boundaries | Boundaries are unclear, diffuse as if both partners are one; victims sacrifices all identity and individuality. |
| Respect | The belief exists that one partner is godlike while the other is worthless. Respect is demanded by abuser, but abuser gives none in return. |
| Freedom of Choice | Partner is pressured for physical activity or commitment. |
| Development of self as first priority | There is obsession with finding someone to love. |
| Balance of mutuality in the relationship | Imbalances of power exist. |
STSM Newsletter
Donate to STSM
Support survivors and help prevent sexual violence in our community.
