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That first love is like a drug. You feel like you can’t live without each other and that the world will be all right if only you can be together. So goes the romantic, often fated, teenage relationship. If you’re new to dating or even blind in love, how can you be sure what you two have is a healthy relationship?
First of all, be aware of what entails an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Abuse doesn’t always mean physical trauma; it comes in the form of name-calling or keeping you away from your friends and family. Recognize the warning signs early and seek help if you can’t break it off by yourself.
Healthy relationships thrive on trust, mutual respect, and equality. To trust someone, they have to be honest with you. This honesty must go both ways to have a trusting relationship. You also need to know that you can count on each other in times of trouble, sadness, or problems that extend beyond the relationship. If one of you is too busy to support the other, it may be time to move on.
Without mutual respect, your boyfriend or girlfriend wouldn’t like you for who you are. Never try to change for someone or be dishonest with yourself if you think it will improve the relationship. This is unhealthy.
At the same time, you need to be aware of the fact that you each have different tastes, different hobbies, and a different set of friends. While every relationship involves compromise, never give up being who you are for someone. Both of you will need your space once in a while.
