In a healthy relationship, you and your partner:

• Respect each other and your individuality
• Both feel safe being open and honest
• Support each other and each other’s choices even when you disagree
• Have equal say in the relationship and respect each other’s boundaries.
• Understand that both of you have lives outside of the relationship, and respect that you need to study or hang out with friends or family.
• Can communicate your feelings without being afraid of negative consequences

In an unhealthy relationship:

• You may fight frequently about problems or not talk about them at all
• One or both of you is not considerate of the other’s feelings
• There is often a lack of trust
• One or both of you may be dishonest
• One or both partners may feel like their desires and choices are more important
• You may only spend time with your partner, ignoring other friends and activities you used to enjoy

• Some warning signs of an abusive relationship include:
• Checking your cell phone or email without permission
• Constantly putting you down
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Explosive temper
• Isolating you from family or friends
• Making false accusations
• Mood swings
• Physically hurting you in any way
• Possessiveness
• Telling you what to do
• Pressuring or forcing you to have sex

For more information or to chat online with a support person, visit www.loveisrespect.org

Or to text with a support person, text loveis to 22522

Teen dating violence often is hidden because teenagers typically:

• are inexperienced with dating relationships
• are pressured by peers to have relationships
• want independence from parents
• have “romantic” views of love

 

Common clues that indicate a teenager may be experiencing dating violence:

• Physical signs of injury
• Truancy, dropping out of school
• Failing grades
• Indecision
• Changes in mood or personality
• Use of drugs/alcohol
• Pregnancy
• Emotional outburst
• Isolation

For more information, visit Love is Respect at www.loveisrespect.org

For local resources and support, call our crisis helpline at 989-755-0411 or toll-free at 888-399-8385