Are You In a Healthy Relationship?
November is Woman Abuse Prevention month. It’s a good time to reflect on couple relationships and what qualities make for a healthy relationship, and what traits do not.
Seek out a partner who:
- Is respectful and kind.
- Listens to what you have to say.
- Doesn’t twist your words.
- Takes responsibility for their own behaviour and feelings.
- Enjoys other friends and interests.
- Enjoys the fact that you have other friends and interests.
- Respects your values.
- Is genuine and honest.
- Supports your goals and activities.
- Encourages independence.
- Is flexible and has a sense of humour.
- Shares financial information and responsibilities.
- Does not abuse drugs and alcohol.
- Views you as an equal partner.
Avoid a partner who:
- Is violent, mean or hurtful.
- Thinks that they are too good for you.
- Is constantly offering to take care of you.
- Always wants to do things their way.
- Does not compromise.
- Attacks your behaviour and/or personality.
- Is manipulative
- Schedules your time.
- Expects you to give up friends and family to be together.
- Belittles you and things that are important to you.
- Tells you what to do.
- Wants to know where you are and whom you’re with at all times.
- Puts you down or pulls you down.
- Constantly blames everybody else for everything.
- Uses silence as punishment.
- Is jealous.
- Makes you do things that you don’t want to do.
- Lies or twists the truth.
- You feel that you can rescue, change or fix.
- Threatens suicide if you talk about leaving the relationship.
- Threatens to harm you or your loved ones.
- Acts like the master of the castle.
Examples of domestic violence include:
- Name calling or put-downs
- Isolation from family or friends
- Withholding of money
- Denying access to medical treatment or services
- Threats and psychological abuse
- Anger and intimidation
- Actual or threatened physical harm
- Blackmail
- Sexual assault
- Spiritual abuse – does not allow you to practice your faith
Carizon has supports available for those who have experienced domestic violence. If you have any questions about relationships or woman abuse, call us at Carizon Family and Community Services, 519-743-6333.
