How to distinguish real relationships from toxic ones: a checklist for teenagers
We have prepared something special for you for Valentine's Day! Because we know that right now you may have a lot of questions about relationships in your head. Do you know the feeling when you see a message from a special person and your heart starts beating wildly, and butterflies appear in your stomach? But how do you understand that these are real feelings? How to distinguish healthy relationships from toxic ones? Let's figure it out together!
What is a healthy relationship? 🌈
In a healthy relationship, you feel free to be yourself! This means you can continue to hang out with your friends without fear of causing jealousy or conflict. You are not afraid to express your opinions, and your interests and hobbies remain an important part of your life.
The most important thing is that you feel constant support and can be yourself, even if your interests or style seem “not cool” to others. Because in a healthy relationship, what is valued is not the image, but each other's sincerity.
Toxic relationships: how to recognize them? 🚩
- Excessive control – constant checks and bans. When they demand to reset geolocation, they forbid you from communicating with friends, criticize your clothes or appearance, and bombard you with messages asking “where are you?” and “who are you with?”
- Emotional manipulation – is when your partner uses your feelings against you to force you to do something you don't like.
- Gaslighting – doubts about your own perception of reality when your feelings are denied with phrases like “you’re making it up,” “you just imagined it,” or “it was just a joke,” making you think that the problem is you.
Healthy Relationship Checklist ✨
- Communion – the foundation of a healthy relationship, where you can honestly talk about your feelings, calmly discuss problems, find compromises, and respect each other's opinions.
- Personal space – in your relationship, everyone has the right to their own life: you can pursue your hobbies, spend time with friends, not report on every step, and have your own secrets.
- Mutual support is manifested in how you treat each other's successes: you sincerely rejoice in achievements, support each other in difficult moments, believe in each other's dreams, and help each other grow and develop.
What to do if the relationship turns out to be toxic? 🆘
If you constantly feel fear, anxiety or sadness in a relationship – this is a serious signal. Do not try to justify toxic behavior – “he/she just loves me too much” or “it’s my fault”. Seek help from psychologists at Places of Power – they are always ready to listen and support you. Here you can talk openly about your experiences, get professional advice and understand how to proceed.
And finally 💫
True love makes us stronger, happier, and more confident. It inspires growth, not guilt or fear. And if your relationship isn't working out right now, it's okay to take a break and work through it!
Remember that you deserve respect, support, and true love - all you need to do is be yourself 💖
