Understanding What a Healthy Relationship Is — and What It Isn’t

In healthy relationships, love feels safe — not confusing, hurtful, or full of fear. Unfortunately, many people grow up believing that “love” means fixing, pleasing, or enduring disrespect. Understanding what a healthy relationship looks like can help break that cycle and build stronger, more respectful connections.

What a Healthy Relationship Looks Like

A healthy relationship is based on mutual respect, trust, and open communication. You feel comfortable being yourself — not anxious about how your partner will react.

Healthy relationships include:

• Respect: Both people speak kindly, even during disagreements.

• Safety: You feel emotionally and physically safe.

• Boundaries: Your needs and limits are honored.

• Equality: Decisions are made together, not controlled by one person.

• Support: Each partner encourages the other’s growth, independence, and friendships.

In healthy love, partners lift each other up rather than tear each other down.

What an Unhealthy Relationship Looks Like

An unhealthy relationship may leave you feeling anxious, confused, or “not good enough.” You might find yourself apologizing often or doubting your own feelings.

Warning signs include:

• Being called names, mocked, or insulted.

• Being told you’re “crazy,” “too sensitive,” or “making things up.”

• Feeling like you have to walk on eggshells to keep the peace.

• Experiencing gaslighting, where your partner twists reality to make you doubt yourself.

• Having your feelings dismissed or minimized.

These behaviors are not “normal relationship problems.” They are forms of emotional abuse — meant to control, confuse, or silence you.

You Deserve Healthy Love

Being called names or told you’re “crazy” is not love. Healthy love respects your emotions, listens to your boundaries, and values your voice. You deserve a relationship where you feel safe, heard, and respected every single day.

If this post resonates with you, it might be time to talk with a trusted friend, counselor, or therapist about what you’re experiencing. Healing begins with awareness — and with remembering that you are worthy of kindness and respect.

Contact Waterview Counseling Services locate in Watertown, CT at (860) 483-0360 to book an appointment with a licensed therapist.