Dating
Signs of healthy versus unhealthy dating

When one is dating, it is essential to understand and identify healthy and unhealthy relationships. A healthy relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and communication. Recognizing the signs of a thriving partnership is essential for fostering intimacy and understanding between partners. Whether it is the way you support each other’s dreams, resolve conflicts, or simply enjoy each other’s company, acknowledging these positive indicators can help nurture a lasting and fulfilling connection.

When one is dating, this gives an opportunity to learn of oneself, as well as the other. Sometimes connections are made, but sometimes interests can collide and/or the timing, such as being in school, college, or graduate school, is not the right time for one or another. Thus, even when both car for each other, sometimes they need to part. Or there are other reasons for the dating relationship to end. But nevertheless, whoever decides to leave, that choice must always be respected and honored. Sometimes, this is difficult for some partners to accept, and this can lead to abusive behaviors, including stalking (following you and showing up at places you to to see you) or manipulating the person into staying the relationship. These are damaging behaviors that one needs to understand the signs, but also how to get out of this type of unhealthy relationship. The following is helpful information and resources.

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How to know if the person you are dating is right for you and healthy?

During the time of dating, the following signs signify a relationship is healthy and thriving.

• Trust: You feel safe in sharing your deepest thoughts and feelings with your partner without fear of judgment or betrayal. You also take your partner's word at face value and never feel the need to test their loyalty
• Respect: You value each other's beliefs and opinions, and you respect each other for who you are. You feel comfortable setting boundaries and are confident that your partner will respect them
• Communication: You can talk to your partner about anything without hesitation or fear of backlash. You are attentive when you are together, putting away your phone and maintaining eye contact
• Kindness: Your partner is considerate to you. Small acts of kindness build up positive feelings and help keep the relationship moving forward
• Boundaries: You respect each other's personal limits, which can be put in place to protect your physical space, emotions, and finances
• Support: You support and encourage your partner's pursuits and passions. You cheer for them when they achieve something, and you appreciate them
• Understanding: Your partner is understanding and forgiving when you make a mistake
• Empathy: Your partner has empathy for you
• Intimacy: You can build progressively deeper intimacy as the relationship progresses

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Need help?

If you need help while dating, or if unable to know how to break up, or unable to, the resources below can provide you with support.

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In immediate danger

• Call 911
• If you or someone is feeling hopeless, helpless, thinking of suicide, contact 988 Lifeline:
  • Chat with Lifeline
  • Call or text 988
  • For Spanish speakers, call 988, then press 2 or visit Ayuda en Español: Lifeline
  • For deaf/hard of hearing, dial 711, then 988
  • For Veterans
    • Call 988, then press 1
    • Text 838255
    • Chat with Veterans Crisis Line

Teen Line

• Call 800-852-8336
• Text, "TEEN" to 839863
  

Love Is Respect

• Call 866-331-9474
• Text, "LOVEIS" to 22522
• Chat live
  
• Dating 101: Getting on the same page as your partner | love is respect
  

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

• Call 800-799-7233
• Text, "START" to 88788
• Chat live

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