Relationships are a big part of our lives. They can be with friends, family, teachers, romantic partners or even teammates. When relationships are healthy, they help us feel loved, supported and safe. But sometimes, relationships can become confusing or even hurtful.
A healthy relationship makes you feel respected, safe and supported. Unhealthy or abusive relationships can hurt your well-being and make you feel controlled or afraid.
Learning about what makes a healthy relationship — and what doesn’t — can help you feel more confident and in control.
What Is A Health Relationship?
A healthy relationship is built on:
- Respect – You value each other’s opinions, boundaries, and differences.
- Trust – You feel safe sharing your thoughts and know the other person will be honest with you.
- Support – You help each other through hard times and cheer each other on.
- Communication – You talk openly and listen to each other without judgment.
- Equality – You both have a say in the relationship and treat each other fairly.
Healthy relationships help you feel good about yourself and the other person. You feel safe being who you are.
What Is an Unhealthy or Abusive Relationship?
Sometimes relationships don’t feel right. This might involve:
- Controlling behaviour – One person tells the other what to do, who to talk to, or how to act.
- Jealousy or possessiveness – Getting angry if you spend time with others.
- Physical abuse – Hitting, slapping, pushing, or throwing things and using weapons. No physical abuse is OK — ever.
- Verbal abuse/disrespect – Making fun of you, putting you down, yelling at you, ignoring your boundaries, or hurting your feelings on purpose.
- Pressure – Forcing you to do things you don’t want to do, including in romantic or sexual situations; pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol or do other things you don’t want.
- Fear or confusion – Making you feel scared, nervous, or unsure most of the time around the person.
- Digital abuse – Hacking into your accounts, controlling what you do on social media, and stalking your profiles.
If a relationship is making you feel unsafe or unhappy, it’s important to talk to someone you trust.
Romantic Relationships
Being in a romantic relationship can be exciting but also confusing. You might feel pressure to act a certain way or do things before you’re ready. It’s OK to take things slow. You have the right to set your own boundaries and expect respect. You don’t have to do what you think is “normal” or what you feel would make someone else happy if you aren’t comfortable with it.
Setting Boundaries and Understanding Consent
Healthy boundaries mean knowing what you’re comfortable with and being able to say “no” at any time. This includes personal space, emotional boundaries and sexual activity. Consent should always be clear, enthusiastic and ongoing. You and your partner both have the right to change your mind at any time [Cayman Kids Helpline].
Consent is very important in romantic or sexual situations. This means both people say “yes” freely and feel safe and comfortable. If someone tries to pressure or force you to do something you don’t want to do — that is not OK.
Technology and Relationships
Sharing intimate pictures or messages might seem normal, but it's very risky. Once something is shared online or through your phone, you can lose control of where it ends up. Always think twice and protect your privacy [Cayman Kids Helpline / Kids Help Phone].
What You Can Do
If you're not sure about a relationship — whether it's with a friend, family member, or romantic partner — here’s what you can do:
- Talk to someone you trust – Like a parent, teacher, or school counsellor.
- Reach out for support – Especially if the relationship feels unsafe or upsetting.
- Take care of yourself – You deserve relationships that make you feel respected and valued. Saying no is OK. Putting your happiness first is OK.
Need To Talk?
Relationships can be complicated, and you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
