Everyone has different ideas about what makes or breaks a relationship. Our Teen Advisory Group (TAG) asked some teens what they thought were the keys to healthy relationships. Check out what they had to say, and next week, we’ll share their ideas on what makes relationships unhealthy.
What makes a relationship healthy?
“In healthy relationships, you need to balance both people’s needs. You have a sense of security and mutual trust.”
— Jason, 17
“Open communication and being able to be yourself are important in a healthy relationship.”
— Daniel, 17
“Trust, loyalty, and having fun together.”
— Carolina, 15
“What makes a relationship healthy is trust, communication, talking, kisses, and hugs. Doing nice things like making each other mix tapes, giving other thoughtful presents, and writing a song for someone can show you care about the person you are with. ”
— Joey, 17
“Attraction to a person’s physical appearance, trust, honesty, caring, love, happiness, sweetness, and sharing activities are all parts of a healthy relationship.”
— Natalie, 16
“Laughing and having a balanced relationship are the two main things.”
— Liz, 16
“Being friends first can be a good way to start a healthy relationship. It is also important to be open in a relationship.”
— Alex, 18
“Trust and happiness. You should be able to talk to someone. Your partner shouldn’t depress you, and you should feel comfortable together.”
— Stephanie, 15
“Trust, honesty, and actually caring about someone and trying not to hurt them.”
— Jessly, 16
“Communication is definitely the number one thing. Caring for each other, respecting each others’ privacy, and being able to talk about concerns or problems all help make the relationship healthy.”
— Roman, 17
“Two people who are in the same place in their lives and who mutually care about each other.”
— Javier, 15
“Consideration of another person is really important. You can’t only think about yourself if you want to have a healthy relationship.”
— Stephanie, 17
“Love makes a relationship healthy, and so does loyalty, caring, passion for each other, and affection. It also helps if people are at least a little alike so they can understand and relate to each other.”
— Ben, 19
“Healthy relationships have total confidence and trust. There is good chemistry between the people, and partners are supportive.”
— Jordan, 18
“The main keys to a healthy relationship are trust, loyalty, compassion, chemistry, and when there is no pressure to do things you aren’t comfortable with. Showing affection, calling when you say you will, and doing things like getting your partner flowers are also nice ways to show you care in a healthy relationship.”
— Anna, 17
“Unconditional love, understanding, support through hard times, common feelings, and similar interests.”
— Emiliya, 17
“Understanding, forgiveness, and being open.”
— Ashton, 18
“Commitment and a good understanding of where each other is coming from can make a relationship strong.”
— Anton, 16
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What would you like to hear TAG talk about? Send us a Talk Back comment with the subject line “TAG.”