Green flags refer to the positive traits of a healthy relationship, unlike red flags which are warnings to keep away from the person. Respect, trust, empathy, and communication, among other factors, fuel a healthy relationship. Dating teenagers may need help to know the green flags to look for in a relationship. Adults can talk to the youth about safe dating and the traits of a healthy relationship. The youth can also learn from platforms and entities that share resources with relationship support for teens. Here are a few green flags of a healthy teen relationship:
Respect
A healthy relationship is nurtured on a foundation of respect and trust. The two parties respect each other’s privacy and are careful in their actions and words to avoid offending each other. When two people trust each other, they can safely express themselves. The couple trusts each other’s decisions and can be vulnerable without fear of judgement.
Commitment
A healthy relationship calls for commitment to the union and to each other. Prioritising the relationship instead of individual needs encourages constructive engagement. They are committed to the relationship and are not looking for other people to date while in the relationship.
Communicative
Consistent and open communication is a necessary ingredient of a relationship. Good communication allows the two parties to share their thoughts and feelings without judgement. The two can respectfully agree or disagree with each other. They also make themselves available to meet and talk regularly. They should be able to communicate without the other becoming angry or stonewalling. Good communication is a key aspect of a healthy relationship.
Boundaries
It is key for a couple to respect each other’s emotional and physical boundaries when meeting their needs in a relationship. Each party should be comfortable when meeting the needs of the other person. It is advisable for a teen to learn how to establish and respect boundaries. Reading resources that provide relationship support for teens may be helpful.
Loyalty
Seek a relationship with a person who makes promises and follows through. The person is direct and honest when not able to keep a prior commitment. A quality relationship with green flags is made of two dependable and trustworthy persons.
Authentic
A healthy relationship encourages authenticity where a partner can be themselves. The two parties may retain their individuality with their own preferences and hobbies, and the two can spend time separately to engage in personal activities. A healthy relationship allows each person to be their authentic self without undue pressure to change to suit the other party’s preferences.
Consent
A good partner will respect their partner’s choices and values. If a relationship is physical, a partner can give the go-ahead or decline certain physical activities like kissing or hand-holding. A partner shouldn’t coerce or guilt-trip the other party to engage in undesired activities. In a healthy relationship, consent may be granted or withdrawn at any time.
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to identify and understand a partner’s feelings or situation. They should be able to give moral support to a person even though it may not solve their problem. Being able to see a situation through your partner’s perspective and supporting them through the issue enhances intimacy in the relationship.
Thoughtful
A kind partner does to you what they would like you to do for them. The person is thoughtful and tries to anticipate and meet your needs. A thoughtful and kind partner invests in activities that the other person likes and stops doing activities that may upset them. The two support each other to grow and improve together.
Forgiving
Look for a relationship partner who is willing to forgive when conflict arises. Forgiveness gives the relationship a chance to continue. Letting go of offences, grudges, and trespasses is sometimes necessary for nurturing a healthy relationship. Extending forgiveness is beneficial at times, but does not extend to relationships where abuse or neglect occurs.
Get Relationship Support for Teens
As a dating teenager, you may need help to navigate the dynamics of relationships. Access resources that offer relationship support for teens that are shared on various platforms and groups. You may also seek help from adults to teach you to identify green flags in a relationship.
