What makes a healthy relationship? What makes it work? What are the most important things to do and avoid?

What People are Saying

“In healthy relationships, there will always be trust and respect. If that disappears, you have very little left. Relationships take dedication. It’s important to always communicate to keep moving forward.” – Tennessee, 24

“I think a relationship is about the two that are in it; trusting each other and respecting one another. I also think that a relationship can’t last if one person has too much power in it.” – Indiana, 15

“My mom went missing because of my step-dad. They had been married for 10 years and my mom had to deal with getting abused. I’ve seen it and it’s the worst sight to see your mom and best friend get hit and choked. I would like to say that if anyone is in an abusive relationship, to get out of it before it’s too late because no one deserves that.” – Tennessee, 13

“A relationship is doomed when your entire existence is being absorbed with that person. No one person can control you and your friendships. You must have your own time with your friends. I’ve seen my best friend lose so many of her friends because of her possessive, obsessed, abusive boyfriend. You are allowed to go out with your friends. No one needs to know where you are every minute of every day. It’s impossible to spend time with my friend without her texting or being on the phone with her boyfriend fighting. That’s not a relationship and that’s definitely not love.” – Illinois, 19

“I wanted to give a little hope to those people out there who have been touched by abusive relationships. It is one of the hardest things to walk away from. I know because I endured an abusive relationship and lived to tell about it. I never would have thought that anything like that could happen to me. I am an intelligent and strong person and yet it still happened to me. However, I got out and I am still working on me, but slowly getting back to me. It took me a long time to realize I DESERVE better…and so does every girl and woman. Be good to yourself and don’t let others be bad to you.” – Illinois, 27