Relationships - healthy vs unhealthy

Relationships - healthy v. unhealthy

From friendships to family and romantic relationships, it’s important that every relationship is supportive and lets you be yourself.

Make sure that you know the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.

Know the signs

Healthy relationships feel safe - they’re built on trust, respect, and kindness.

Whether it’s with a partner, a friend, or family, green flags look like:

✅ Listening and understanding

✅ Respecting boundaries

✅ Supporting each other

If someone lifts you up, values your feelings, and makes you feel free to be yourself…that’s a thumbs up.

Unhealthy relationships can feel unsafe, unsupportive or uncomfortable:

❌ Trying to control who you speak to or hang out with

❌ Checking your phone or invading your privacy

❌ Making you feel bad about yourself

If someone puts you down, does not respect your feelings, and makes you feel you need to change…that’s a thumbs down.

Friends who ask you to do things that are illegal – that’s a thumbs down too

Sometimes, criminals seek out young people and pretend to make friends. They may give you things like vapes or new trainers, and they make you feel that you’re part of their group. But, after a while, they may ask you to do a favour for them - something to pay them back for the free stuff they’ve given you. They may ask you to deliver drugs, move money through your bank account, hide weapons, or give sexual favours.

That’s not right. No friend should make you feel scared, pressured, controlled, or ask you to do something illegal.

Why it matters

Knowing what’s healthy helps you spot what’s not.

Unhealthy relationships are a form of violence and abuse. They can feel confusing, controlling, unsafe, and disrespectful.  If it doesn't feel right then it probably isn't. Support is available, you can contact services for advice and support. You are not alone.

Need advice or support?