There's a better way to relate to other people than using abusive behaviors. 

Healthy relationships are based on a foundation of safety, respect, trust, and support. This is true for virtually all kinds of relationships--including couples, families, parents, friendships, neighbors, and coworkers. 

In order to prevent future abuse and promote healthy relationships of all kinds, it's important to educate our community about positive relationship skills and healthy ways of navigating conflict and stress in relationships. This is especially true for children and youth so that they can build a strong foundation of healthy relationships throughout their lives. This section contains some basic information about building healthy relationships. 

What are characteristics of healthy couple relationships?

Healthy couple relationships are made up of many different characteristics that help build a strong foundation for deep connection, intimacy, and happiness. Some of the most notable characteristics that form healthy couple relationships include the following: trust, mutual respect, openness and honesty, support, safety, compromise, independence and freedom, positive relationship skills, and fun. Conflicts are a natural part of any couple relationship--even healthy ones. In healthy relationships, partners practice positive communication and conflict management skills to help them learn and grow through difficult times.

What are some key parenting skills for managing stressful situations?

Being a parent can be challenging, and sometimes, it's really hard to remain calm during stressful situations. With the many responsibilities that parents juggle, it's normal to feel overwhelmed at times. However, it’s important for parents to try their best to remain calm and respond to stressful situations in a way that promotes a positive parent-child relationship. When you’re feeling overwhelmed and notice that you may be feeling upset with your kids during a stressful situation, take deep calming breaths to help regulate your emotions so you can respond to the situation in a way that is kind and positive. Make it priority to practice positive self-care to help cope with parenting stress and ensure that you can be the best version of yourself for your kids and family! For more tips on managing stressful situations as a parent, click here.

What do people mean when they talk about "consent"?

Consent is an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent is about respecting boundaries and communicating openly and honestly. Healthy boundaries are a critical part of healthy and safe sexual relationships, especially because sexual assault often occurs within intimate relationships or by an acquaintance. While laws governing consent can vary widely across states, when consent is not given, sexual activity is considered rape or sexual assault.  It is important to note that consent can be withdrawn at any point in time and that sexual activity must stop immediately when consent is no longer given.  Talking with your partner and consistently checking in to make sure they are comfortable is the best way to make sure that the sexual activity is consensual. To learn more about understanding consent for teens, click here. 

How can we promote healthy relationships and safety among older adults?

Older adults, usually defined as adults over 65, face unique challenges in their relationships. Respect and trust should be expected from every relationship, no matter what age a person is. Older adults who are more financially secure face an increased risk of financial abuse. Know the signs of abusive financial control. Learn to recognize the signs of abusive behavior, and know where to seek help if you or someone you love is in an unsafe relationship of any kind. For older adults are reentering the dating sphere, especially after a long time of being alone or in a relationship, be sure to know how to navigate safe digital dating, including safe ways to meet, red flags in conversation, and how to identify fake profiles. 

Content on this page is provided by UNC Greensboro's Healthy Relationships Initiative (HRI). HRI involves a partnership between UNC Greensboro and the Phillips Foundation that works to promote happy, healthy, safe relationships of all kinds. To learn more about HRI, visit their web-site at www.healthyrelationshipsinitiative.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @HealthyRelationshipsInitiative.