building healthy romantic relationships

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Relationships, dating and hooking up can be a source of connection, happiness and support. They can also be a time of uncertainty and challenging to navigate, which is why it’s helpful to know what key elements make for a healthy relationship.

What is a healthy relationship? 

Developing your knowledge and skills about relationships can build confidence and wellbeing, 

Romantic relationships come in all shapes and sizes, and there’s no single set of rules about what they should be. Yet, there are some things that healthy relationships have in common:

  • good communication
  • being respectful and supportive
  • feeling safe and secure.

 

From a casual fling to a committed relationship, your safety and happiness should never be at risk. 

Healthy relationships can take time and effort. Here are some tips you can use to help build yours.

 

Treat each other as equals 

Treating each other as equals can help relationships to be strong, safe and supportive. As equals, differences in goals, abilities and interests becomes something to celebrate.

Equality in a relationship means both people:

  • are willing to compromise where appropriate
  • experience equal give and take
  • respect each other’s ideas, boundaries and choices.

 

Download our fact sheet on healthy romantic relationships

(PDF 493 kb)

Set boundaries  

Setting boundaries is an important part of any relationship. They include how you want to be treated and what’s unacceptable. Everyone’s boundaries will be different, and they can change, so avoid making assumptions. Take some time to consider your wants, likes and dislikes – what do you want from the relationship?

Setting emotional boundaries helps you and your partner understand your limits. Think of them as imaginary lines that separate you from others. They include sharing your feelings and life stories, as well as your need for space and time apart.

Personal information

Think about your experiences, life, dreams and hopes. Do you want to share lots of information straight away, or do you want to take it slowly and build trust along the way? What you choose to share, and when you choose to share it, is entirely up to you.

Spending time apart and maintaining your other relationships and hobbies

It’s common in new relationships to want to spend all of your time with your partner. It’s easy to forget to spend time with the other important people in your life too – like your family and friends. Like all relationships, they too need to be nurtured. Finding a balance between friendships, family, your hobbies and your partner can be tricky, however it’s good for your wellbeing to remain connected with other areas of your life and encourage your partner to do the same.

Discussing financial boundaries can help you both be clear about how you want finances to work in your relationship. Some people choose to share a portion of their money and others prefer to keep things separate. It’s OK to take your time combining finances, and it’s OK to keep a separate account for you. It really depends what works best for you.

The key to physical/sexual boundaries is respect and consent. Consider the amount and type of any physical and/or sexual contact and what is OK for you.

It’s important to remember that your body is yours and any form of violence, intimidation or overstepping of your boundaries isn’t acceptable and is not a part of healthy relationships.

What do you want when it comes to intimacy and sex?

Chatting about boundaries and consent helps ensure nobody feels pressured or uncomfortable. It might feel awkward at the time, but it means that everyone will feel safe and respected and you don’t break any laws. You can learn more about the laws in your state at Youth Law Australia.

Sexual consent is an ongoing and freely given agreement between people who are engaging in sexual activity together.

  • consent to any sexual act needs to be stated clearly – this means there is no confusion or doubt that someone has given consent, don’t just assume they’re into it

  • setting physical/sexual boundaries means continuously checking in with each other about what is and isn’t OK. If someone consents to one sexual act, it doesn’t mean they consent to another. Ongoing communication is one of the key steps to healthy boundaries.

  • people can change their minds anytime. If you feel uncomfortable at any stage it’s perfectly OK to let the other person know that you want to slow down or stop.

  • alcohol and other drugs can impact our ability to give consent, say no to sexual activity or recognise when someone isn’t giving consent. It can be helpful to limit alcohol and other drug use before sexual activity
  • discussing and agreeing on contraception and actions to prevent sexually transmitted infections is another way you can maintain your boundaries by practising consent.

 

The age that someone can consent to any kind of sexual activity varies between states and territories in Australia. Check out Youth Law Australia for more information about consent - just select your state.

Set clear expectations regarding what you feel comfortable being shared online or with other people.

You might want to consider:  

  • posting details about the relationship online
  • using each other’s devices

Trust      

Trust in relationships can help you feel safe and secure – it’s important for both partners to trust and be trusted. It can take time to build and earn trust though and it can be built in many ways such as:

  • respecting boundaries
  • being honest
  • being there for your partner – not taking them for granted
  • feeling physically and emotionally safe in the relationship
  • acknowledging and working through misunderstandings
  • resolving arguments respectfully.

 

Communication 

Healthy relationships include open and honest communication. Communicating well with your partner can strengthen your relationship and help you overcome any challenges. 

Opening up to your partner can take trust, time and practice. Speaking up about what you think, feel and need is an important part of any relationship.

Being able to be ourselves is important, it helps us feel confident and understood. It builds trust in the relationship and helps both partners understand each other’s likes and dislikes.

Listening is an important part of a healthy relationship. Everyone needs the opportunity to be heard, talk uninterrupted and be taken seriously.

It’s OK to have different opinions – practise disagreeing and asserting yourself respectfully. Try to avoid personal attacks and instead focus on the issue.

Here are some healthy ways to resolve an argument: 

  • try to see your partner’s point of view
  • be willing to compromise and come up with options you’re willing to accept
  • agree to disagree
  • if it gets heated, agree to take some time and come back to the discussion later.

 

See our tips on communicating clearly.

Look after yourself 

It’s always a good idea to look after our mental health and wellbeing. Looking after our mind and bodies helps us feel balanced and better able to cope with any stress. You can:

 

  • connect with people
  • stay active
  • eat well
  • cut back on alcohol and other drugs
  • get into life
  • get enough sleep
  • learn skills for tough times.

 

Know you are supported 

No matter where you are on your relationship journey, remember that support is always available. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, teacher or Elder to share what you are going through. Or you can get in touch with your local headspace centre. There are also online or phone-based services like eheadspace or Kids Helpline – you can access them anonymously and without cost.

 

Other resources

  • 1800 Respect has resources about relationships and has telephone and online counselling 

  • BodyTalk has resources about navigating relationships 

  • headspace Group Chats hosts discussions for young people about a range of topics including conflict resolution, communication and assertiveness. You can register to join an upcoming group chat or view the transcripts of past chats here

 

 

The headspace Content Reference Group oversee and approve clinical resources made available on this website.

Last reviewed 15 February 2023.

 

 

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