Quiz: Qualities of an Destructive Relationship

Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

What are the signs of an unhealthy relationship?

Check any of the following statements that apply to you.

I...
…can't be honest about my feelings and can't talk about them freely with my partner.
…think I can make my partner's problems go away.
…am afraid of my partner's temper, so I avoid making him/her angry.
…usually feel unhappy in my relationship.
MY PARTNER...
…wants to know where I am and who I’m with at all times.
…won't let me talk to others, even my friends. He/she is very jealous.
…criticizes my friends or family and wants me to stop seeing them.
…decides how we spend our time together.
…has the power to make me feel bad and uses it.
…scares me by driving fast, drinking too much or doing other risky things.
…has hurt me or threatened to hurt me even though he/she  is sorry afterwards.
…makes threats about hurting my friends or pets or threatens to kill himself or herself if I don't obey or agree.
…pressures me to do sexual things I don't want to do and puts me down when I refuse.
…won’t practice safer sex.

If you checked one or more, you may be in an unhealthy relationship.

Staying in an unhealthy relationship will eventually ruin your self-esteem and self worth. And the longer you stay the more damage it will do. It can also be dangerous if there is violence and/or abuse involved.

Ending an unhealthy relationship starts with admitting that the relationship is dysfunctional. Once you have admitted to yourself that you are in an unhealthy relationship, get some support or talk to someone about how to leave the relationship. Then you must be willing to welcome the opportunity for a healthy relationship by cutting all ties to your ex, breaking old patterns, nurturing your self esteem, and making genuine love and acceptance your priorities. Remember, this will take time.

Relationship Violence

Sadly, many people experience, expect, and even accept violence in their relationships.

In a violent relationship one partner will force what they want by controlling the other. The violent partner - and even the victim - believe that that jealousy and control are signs of love.

Remember that in ANY relationship, you:

• Have the right to feel safe at all times.
• Have the right to express your own ideas and say no to something you don't like.
• Aren’t responsible for another person's actions even if they say you provoke them.
• Never deserve to be abused in any way.

If you’re in a violent relationship don’t wait to seek help. Take steps to protect yourself today!

Get online information and support  or call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700.