
We often hear the term "healthy relationship" and have no idea what that really means. We know that we need healthy relationships and we hope that the healthy relationships last and the dysfunctional ones end. Here is a great tip that you can use in your relationships to help you set boundaries and to be sure that your relationship is on the path to something healthy. The first rule for any relationship is this...feeling safe. In a relationship we all deserve to feel safe. This means, we need to feel safe in conversations, feel safe emotionally and physically. Conversations are a big part of relationships and if you are in a relationship where you do not feel safe to share in a conversation then that may be something to look at. If you feel that you are walking on egg shells or not able to freely express yourself in a relationship, then that is unhealthy. Likewise, if you cannot express your emotions or are with someone who makes fun of you when you cry, that is also not making you safe in your relationship and that is unhealthy. If your partner has ever, kept you from leaving a room, pulled your arm, pulled your hair, slapped, smacked or punched you or anything that prevented you from obtaining physical safety then that is unhealthy. If you are feeling unsafe in your relationship get some help. Call the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or enroll in counseling. Several areas offer free relationship classes for couples. Please be sure moving forward, that you hold all of your relationships to this standard. "I HAVE TO FEEL SAFE to stay in this." This is true for any relationship not just romantic relationships. Take care everyone and remember safety has to come first and then the rest can follow, if there is no safety, then the rest doesn't matter.