Relationship Equality
Negotiation and Fairness
Seeking mutually satisfying resolutions to conflict
Accepting change
Being willing to compromise
Non-Threatening Behavior
Talking and acting so that both feel safe and comfortable expressing feelings and doing things
Committing to not use threats or manipulative actions
Communication
Communicating openly and truthfully
Being honest to oneself and to one’s own feelings
Trust and Support
Supporting each other’s goals in life
Respecting each other’s right to their own feelings, friends, activities and opinions
Honesty and Accountability
Accepting responsibility for self and actions
Acknowledging past use of violence
Admitting being wrong
Communicating openly and truthfully
Respect
Listening nonjudgmentally
Being emotionally affirming and understanding
Valuing each other’s opinions and contributions to the relationship
Shared Responsibility
Mutually agreeing on a fair distribution of work
Making family decisions together
Sharing parenting responsibilities when there are children
Independence and Autonomy
Understanding the difference between “I” and “We”
Fostering Individual identity
7Cs of Healthy Relationships
When these seven things exist, you have a healthy relationship. If one doesn’t exist, talk to your partner and figure out how you can both create a healthier relationship.
- Communication
- Compromise
- Commitment
- Compatibility
- Consideration (Respect)
- Conduct
- Consent
This project is supported by Grant No. 2016-WA-AX-0013 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, US Department of Justice. The Opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.