Relationships. An idea in almost every teen’s head. Will I be able to obtain a healthy relationship? Is my relationship healthy? Is my ideal relationship the same as everyone else’s?
This article is a Q&A asking students for their ideas on a healthy relationship. Along with what their ideal partner would be like, which includes their standards and break-up grounds. Students 1 and 2 are freshmen girls, while students 3 and 4 are freshman boys. This perspective is able to be more inclusive with broader ideas.
What does a healthy relationship look like to you?
Student 1: “Communicating with one another, being able to listen. Knowing each other, [knowing] their likes and dislikes. [Understanding] what the right thing to do around that person is. Showing care [through your partners] love language. Oh, and not being nonchalant and being proud of your relationship.”
Student 2: “Helping each other up with mental stuff. Forgiving but never forgetting, especially in arguments. Meeting each other’s parents and respecting each other’s boundaries. Communicating about feelings and having trust.”
Student 3: “When they’re both loyal to each other and respect each other’s boundaries. Not being dry and talking when there’s a problem.”
Student 4: “[Being] trustworthy and loyal. Having each other’s backs [in hard situations], and respecting each other’s boundaries.”
What could be a deal breaker in a relationship for you?
Student 1: “Being dry and not taking time to be around you. Also cheating, lying, and not [being] trusting.”
Student 2: “[Having] a lack of communication, lying, [creating] stupid arguments that don’t matter.”
Student 3: “Someone that’s not trustworthy. Someone who’s unkind and doesn’t go out of their way for the other person.”
Student 4: “Micro-cheating, like flirting with others, and going out of their way to talk to others. Also being rude [to me]. Probably lust, and a lack of communication.”
What qualities do you look for in a partner?
Student 1: “Honesty, having goals for themselves. Having high standards for themselves and others.”
Student 2: “They show good effort, and they’re trying their best. If they’re good at their education and their sport. Someone who has self-respect.”
Student 3: “They’re loyal, and they go out of their way to help other people. [They] respect their parents. Being friends with my friends. Someone who does good in school.”
Student 4: “They’re nice and respectful. They’re understanding and they have a good background. Someone who wants to go out and have fun, not just lie in bed all day. [A person who] respects my clothing style.”
Mrs. Roy, a teacher at Oakmont, shares her professional opinion and talks about the one love program that involves healthy relationships, “Healthy relationships come in all shapes and forms. Nothing is perfect, but here are ten qualities to look for in a healthy relationship that we explore in our One Love Program offered in Nutrition and Wellness: Trust, independence(you have space to be yourself outside of the relationship), comfortable pacing, honesty, respect, kindness, equality, taking responsibility for actions and words, having healthy conflict, and of course FUN! You should enjoy your time together!”
