Healthy relationships encompass a loving, and trusting friendship that enables two people to connect, form partnership and enjoy life. This can be in a friendship, with family, significant others, and more.

Sometimes, due to what is seen on social media, gender roles, what was seen in environment, what was normalized by people close by and within society, it is easy to pick up unhealthy habits or allow unhealthy patterns to continue that you don’t know are unhealthy.

Let’s take a look at what makes a relationship healthy and some of the myths that could enable unhealthy behavior.

A healthy relationship has the following. (see graphic)

Myth: because someone is having a bad day it’s okay that they mistreat me.

Truth: someone can have a bad day and we all do. A person can choose to step away until they’re feeling better, take accountability for actions and words that are hurtful during that bad day.

Myth: If a person is ill short term or has a permanent illness, I should excuse their abuse.

Truth: no, actually there is no association between abuse and illness. People choose to abuse based on various factors, some of which are separate from that illness such as what was taught directly or indirectly in childhood. At no point in time should you allow abuse. Instead, communicate your boundaries and expect to be treated with respect.

Myth: I did something to cause someone to lash out at me or not speak to me. It’s my fault they’re acting this way.

Truth: no, each person is in control of their own actions. While we should be accountable for how we treat others, we should also know that we do not cause another persons reactions- especially reactions that cause damage to another person. We are individuals, and as individuals we have to stop blaming ourselves for other people’s actions.

Myth: If a person says sorry, they will change.

Truth: a persons actions will determine if they are sorry. Our job is to forgive. Forgiveness does not mean enable. Once you realize that you are in charge of your happiness, even if you don’t get an apology, you can be free.

Hope this helps!

Love,

Vicky