Before we proceed, I don’t want to use the word toxic; this is to avoid using a word already charged or overused. Let’s use healthy and unhealthy, so the question is, \u201cAm I in an unhealthy relationship?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what are the characteristics of an unhealthy relationship? Below, you will find a graphic with some examples. Here are some examples to highlight: Not communicating, dishonesty, being pressured into activities, only spending time with each other, and controlling behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you see unhealthy characteristics in a relationship, does that mean the relationship will always be unhealthy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not necessarily. After realizing a relationship has unhealthy characteristics, the steps with the involved persons will determine if it can be healthy again. Once you have voiced your concerns to the appropriate person, you both must find the will to move forward. Moving forward, we will take work from all persons involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (ways to move forward are in bold<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you constantly disagree with your partner about the same thing, counseling <\/strong>separately and together can be a solution. You may need to find other ways of support,<\/strong> for example, you and a friend talking to a trusted mentor on campus. Finding support can look different if it is someone else, for example, talking to human resources at your job if it is your supervisor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning and practicing healthy communication<\/strong> can help the relationship move forward. Instead of blaming someone by saying, \u201cYou don\u2019t listen to what I\u2019m saying,\u201d you could say, \u201cI feel<\/strong> hurt when you scroll on social media while I am talking. This makes me think you do not care what I say.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter what, both parties have to be open enough to be accountable for what they say and the role they may have played in the past to move forward. No relationship will ever be perfect, but how we engage when issues arise will be the ultimate test of a healthy or unhealthy relationship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Written by Morgan-Allison Moore, M.Div. (Pronouns: She\/Her\/Hers)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Assistant Director, SIV Prevention and Outreach, Health Equity, and Access<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Email: <\/em>moorem23@miamioh.edu<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"This](\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/student-life\/files\/2024\/02\/Healthy-and-Unhealthy-Relationships-graphic.png\")
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