Building and maintaining healthy relationships takes effort, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of life. Whether it’s with friends, romantic partners, parents, or siblings, relationships that are based on respect, communication, and trust will help you grow as a person.
Healthy relationships guide
When you’re growing up, learning about relationships is a big part of the journey. Whether it’s friendships, romantic relationships, or family dynamics, understanding what makes a relationship healthy is key to feeling supported and happy. Here’s a guide to help you build and maintain strong, positive relationships with your friends, romantic partners, parents, and siblings—relationships that are built on respect, trust, and care.
Friendships: Building Bonds that Last
Building lasting friendships
Friendships are one of the most important parts of your teenage years. Friends are the people who stand by you, celebrate your victories, and support you when times get tough. But, like any relationship, they need to be nurtured to stay strong.
- Respect boundaries: every friend has their own boundaries, whether it’s personal space, time, or privacy. Respecting these boundaries is a sign of maturity and trust.
- Be honest: open and honest communication is the foundation of any healthy friendship. If something’s bothering you, it’s important to talk it through with your friend in a respectful way.
- Be supportive: a healthy friendship isn’t just about having fun together; it’s also about being there for each other. Offer support when your friend needs it, whether it’s for school, personal struggles, or just life in general.
- Know when to walk away: sometimes, friendships can become toxic – maybe one person is being mean, dismissive, or controlling. It’s okay to walk away from friendships that make you feel bad about yourself.
Romantic relationships: healthy love and respect
Dating – trust, respect and equality
When you start dating, it can be exciting, but it’s also important to remember that a healthy romantic relationship is built on trust, respect, and equality.
- Mutual respect: respect is everything in a romantic relationship. This means respecting each other’s feelings, opinions, and boundaries. If someone ever disrespects you or makes you feel uncomfortable, that’s a red flag.
- Communication is key: talking openly with your partner about how you feel and what you need from the relationship is crucial. Good communication helps you solve problems together and strengthens your connection.
- Healthy boundaries: each person in a romantic relationship should feel comfortable saying “no” when they don’t want to do something, whether it’s spending time together, physical affection, or making big life decisions. Make sure both you and your partner understand and respect each other’s limits.
- Equality: a healthy relationship isn’t about one person controlling or dominating the other. You both should feel equal in the relationship, with your own individual interests and space.
Parental relationships: Understanding, Trust, and Support
Relationships with parents or guardians
Your relationship with your parents (or guardians) can be one of the most important sources of support as you navigate life. But as a teenager, it can sometimes feel like your parents just don’t get you. Even so, their support can make a big difference in your well-being.
- Open communication: it’s normal to have disagreements with your parents, but it’s important to keep talking. Try to express how you feel, and listen to what they have to say, too. Finding a middle ground can help you feel more understood.
- Respect their role: parents or guardians have your best interests at heart, even when it might not seem like it. Remember that they’ve lived through more life experience than you, so they can offer advice and guidance.
- Independence with responsibility: as you get older, you’ll want more independence, but with that comes more responsibility. Show your parents you can handle more freedom by being responsible and making wise choices.
Siblings: Finding Balance Between Support and Space
Relationships with sisters or brothers
Siblings are sometimes our greatest allies and other times our biggest rivals. Whether you have a big brother, little sister, or any other family dynamic, finding a way to coexist peacefully is important.
- Respect each other’s differences: it’s normal for siblings to have different interests, personalities, and temperaments. Learning to respect each other’s individuality helps you get along better and avoid unnecessary arguments.
- Support and encourage: like friends, siblings can be a great source of support. Celebrate each other’s successes, and help one another during tough times. You don’t have to agree on everything, but being there for each other is key.
- Space is important: even though you’re family, it’s okay to want some space from each other. Setting boundaries around personal space and time is a healthy way to maintain balance in your relationship.
Tips for all relationships:
- Know your worth: you deserve to be treated with respect and kindness in all your relationships. Don’t settle for anything less.
- Ask for help when you need It: if you ever feel like a relationship is becoming unhealthy, it’s important to reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust—whether it’s a teacher, counsellor, or another adult.
- Take care of yourself: healthy relationships should never come at the expense of your well-being. Always make time for self-care and remember that it’s okay to put yourself first when needed.
Local support:
Need some support?
Building and maintaining healthy relationships takes effort, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of life. Whether it’s with friends, romantic partners, parents, or siblings, relationships that are based on respect, communication, and trust will help you grow as a person. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone—reach out to those around you when you need support.
In Bradford, there are services available to help you if you ever feel like a relationship is becoming unhealthy. They can provide advice and support to help you navigate any difficult situations.
Bradford Youth Service
Youth in Mind Bradford
Bradford school nursing team – Tel: 01274 221203 or message on Chat Health: 07312 263223
Bradford Women’s Aid
Staying Put https://stayingput.org.uk/
Childline – Tel: 0800 1111
