By Haeley Huggard, reporter
Relationships are one of the most difficult challenges we face in life. Trying to figure other people out can be difficult — especially when you are still trying to figure yourself out.
But the real questions are: what defines a healthy relationship and when does a relationship become unhealthy?
And we’re not just talking about romantic relationships. This can be between friends or even relatives.
A healthy relationship should feel like both you and your partner are comfortable communicating. It’s important to vocalize as well as listen to what the other person has to say.
Red flags are something we need to be aware of. If your relationship has too many, that may be a sign that you’re in an unhealthy relationship.
Tina Kaczmarek, Delta College’s circulation coordinator, was quick to point out that the most important aspects of a healthy relationship are trust and honesty. The lack thereof is a definite red flag.
“Secrets and avoidance on certain topics challenge your trust and respect with them,” says Kaczmarek.
If your partner feels they cannot trust you with something, or they lie directly to your face, it is a sign that they do not respect you.
Allowing your partner or friends to influence you is okay. But when they start to dictate how you feel about everything, that’s something to watch out for.
Part of being an individual is having your own ideas and beliefs. While changing them is fine, changing everything about yourself is not. If you feel that you or your partner are trying to control each other, or spend most of your time trying to manipulate or change each other, this is definitely a red flag.
Having low self-esteem can lead to jealous tendencies. Sometimes, that can result in projecting these behaviors onto your significant other, which is sure to cause problems as the relationship progresses.
Jaleeah Grice, a student at Delta College, expressed that jealousy and low self-esteem can also be considered red flags in a relationship.
“If you’re insecure, I feel it can bring someone down and it’s like you’re putting your problems onto the other person,” says Grice.
Maintaining relationships of any type can be tough. Part of the beauty in a relationship is accepting people the way they are — and in doing so, accepting yourself. That acceptance can be the most rewarding feeling of all.
