Being able to tell the difference between healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships can be more difficult than you would think. Here are some things to look out for.

Is your partner:

• jealous and possessive
• telling you what to wear, where to go, who to see
• playing mind games and making you doubt your judgment
• controlling you or your money
• pressuring you to have sex when you don’t want to
• monitoring or tracking your movements or messages
• using anger and intimidation to frighten and control you?

If you recognise any of this behaviour in your relationship it’s time to get help. Speak to an adult that you trust like a family member or a teacher. 

The beginning of a new relationship can feel exciting. It is a special time where you get to know each other and spend quality time together. During this time, you begin build trust and you might start thinking about where the relationship can go in the future.

While new relationships can feel amazing to some people, for others, it can open up insecurities that when left unchecked can become possessive or controlling behaviours. Early signs can include the constant checking of mobile phones, social media accounts, text messages etc, without your permission.

It’s about crossing someone’s boundaries.

Looking at someone’s personal property without permission is an invasion of privacy and its actions like these that can slip into unhealthy relationship territory.

Respecting your partner’s boundaries is a good start to a healthy relationship. 

Partners should always feel safe to have their own opinions, even when this means they disagree. If your partner responds to your (different) viewpoint with dismissal, contempt, or other rudeness, this often suggests they don’t respect you or your ideas.

If you find that you are afraid of speaking your mind and giving your opinions because you worry about their reaction, or feel like you’re “walking on eggshells” every day, it may be time to seek professional help.

A healthy relationship is when two people:

• trust each other
• are equal
• can talk openly.

A healthy relationship should include:

• Communication
• Compromise 
• Commitment.

Healthy relationships | NSPCC

Welcome to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Sexual Health website 

Young People (ypsandyford.scot)

LGBT Youth Scotland | LGBT Youth Scotland

Sexual Health & Healthy Relationships Resources - Who Cares? Scotland (whocaresscotland.org)