Cultivating Healthy Relationships

Relationships help us thrive

Though all relationships are different, healthy relationships involve trust, communication, boundaries and support. Healthy relationships help you thrive, support you in achieving your goals and honor all your boundaries. These relationships involve a level of independence, you are still your own person outside of the relationship and are supported in maintaining that identity.

We all have more to learn when it comes to cultivating healthy relationships with everyone we care about, including significant others, family and friends. Take a moment to learn more and consider sharing this information with someone you care about.

Learn more about the spectrum of relationships and visit the education page to browse additional topics.

Silhouettes of people jumping

All relationships

The foundation of a healthy relationship, communication, trust, boundaries and support, can be found in all healthy relationships. It is common to assume that these are only characteristics of romantic, sexual or dating relationships, but in actuality these are necessary characteristics of all healthy relationships. For example, healthy friendships require that your boundaries be respected and that your friend supports your goals and aspirations. The same is true for our family members, professional colleagues and more.

People walking down a path

Healthy conflict

No relationship is perfect. That means that even healthy relationships involve conflict. In healthy relationships, conflict can be addressed respectfully and without judgment. Both partners are able to feel heard as they work to ascertain the causes of the concern. Healthy conflict does not involve yelling, belittling or shaming.

People walking down a path in sun

Turn inward

It is common to compare your relationship to others, particularly when it comes to social media and how relationships are often presented in their best light via these platforms. All relationships are different and no relationship is perfect, instead of turning outward, turn inward to explore how the relationship is making you feel.

Qualities of healthy relationships

You may begin to notice some red flags in your relationship, or a friend’s, but feel unsure about what to do next. It is normal to want to talk to someone to formulate a plan:

Visit ASU Counseling Services to learn more about counseling and crisis support on campus
Utilize the MyPlan app to further explore aspects of your, or a friend’s, relationship and be connected with resources for support.
Connect with the Sun Devil Support Network to talk to a peer about the resources available
Speak with an ASU Victim-Survivor Advocate by calling 480-727-5167 or visit the Victim and Survivor Services webpage to explore options to speak with an advocate.
Reach out to EMPACT’s 24-hour ASU-dedicated crisis hotline at 480-921-1006.
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.