Healthy Relationships

A healthy relationship — whether with a partner, friend, or family member — is built on respect, safety, trust, and equality. You should feel free to be yourself, speak openly, and grow without fear.

Love should never feel like fear.

Signs of a Healthy Relationship

• You feel safe and respected
• You can disagree without being punished
• Your boundaries are taken seriously
• You both make decisions together
• You feel free to spend time with friends and family
• You can say no without guilt
• You support each other's goals

Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

• Constant jealousy or controlling behaviour
• Checking your phone, location, or messages
• Insults, threats, or humiliation
• Pressure to do sexual things you don't want
• Isolating you from people who care about you
• Using money, gifts, or status to control you
• Hitting, shoving, or any physical harm

If any of these are happening to you, you deserve support. Talk to a trusted adult, counsellor, health worker, or visit the Emergency page in this app.

Communication That Builds Trust

• Listen without interrupting
• Speak honestly about how you feel
• Use "I feel…" instead of blaming
• Take a pause if emotions get too high
• Apologise when you are wrong — and mean it

Boundaries Are Healthy

Setting boundaries is not rude. It is one of the most caring things you can do for yourself and the people around you.

Examples of healthy boundaries:

• "I'm not ready for that yet."
• "Please don't share my photos."
• "I need some quiet time tonight."
• "I don't want to talk about that."

A person who truly cares about you will respect your boundaries without punishment.

Quick Facts

• Healthy love feels calm, not anxious
• Respect is not optional — it is the foundation
• You can leave any relationship that hurts you
• Asking for help is a sign of strength

Where to Get Help

If you are unsure whether your relationship is healthy, talk to:

• A trusted friend, parent, or guardian
• A school counsellor or teacher
• A youth-friendly health worker
• A community organisation that supports young people
• The Safe Chain emergency contacts page