Healthy Relationships: Taking Care of You
In comparing healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, there are some key questions we can ask ourselves to determine whether or not we are in a relationship that is good for us. Taking time to address these questions now might, in the long-run, improve your overall mental health and the state of your friendships and/or dating relationships. Taking the time right now also may contribute to improved sexual and reproductive health as you come to recognize barriers that can prevent you from taking care of yourself and having your needs met.
Here are some widely-recognized questions to ask yourself when thinking about your relationships:
1. Do I feel respected in my relationship?
2. Do I feel safe and secure in my relationship?
3. Does my friend or partner value honesty/share similar values?
4. Do we have mutual interests and understanding?
5. Does my friend or partner respect my culture, faith and/or morals?
6. Can I trust this person to not cause me physical, sexual or emotional harm?
7. Do we have fun consistently, or is there more arguing than laughter?
8. Do I feel respect for myself? Can I set boundaries with my friend or partner?
If you answered “no” to several of these questions, it’s time to think about what needs changing. Unfortunately, as adult women, we often identify and care for the needs of others before ourselves. As healthy women…as powerful women…as self-aware women, we must begin by paying attention to ourselves and by asking important questions about our relationships. And when the questions are sorted through and the problems are identified, we can talk to someone (counselor, physician, friend, etc.) who can help us begin to recognize what is better, healthier and happier.
-Aimee Gironimi, M.Ed.
aimee.gironimi@ppwi.org