What Are Healthy Relationships?

Many different types of relationships exist. There are relationships between spouses, partners, family members, friends, co-workers, and classmates.

A healthy relationship is non-violent, non-threatening, trusting, and supportive. People in healthy relationships show each other respect. They are free to talk openly and honestly about their feelings and daily lives with their partner without the fear of repercussions – verbal or physical. They are comfortable making decisions together or independently. They often have a shared responsibility, they build each other up, and they always respect one another. They are equals.

In an unhealthy relationship, one person may try and control the other, he/she may be verbally abusive or insulting, make cruel or belittling comments, or use physical violence. Power and control are often the driving force behind an unhealthy relationship, meaning one partner uses intimidation, coercion, or threats to get the other person to do as they want. The controlling person in the relationship may use isolation by placing limits on which the other can see, talk to, or visit. These scenarios all create an unbalanced relationship.

Those who recognize that they are in an unhealthy relationship, or have a friend or loved one who is, should seek help. The highly-specialized staff at the Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 305-585-7273. All calls are confidential.

Cindy Magnole is the Injury Prevention Coordinator at Jackson Memorial Hospital and a longtime registered nurse. She is also chair of the Miami-Dade County Injury Prevention Coalition. Cindy can be contacted at [email protected]