Healthy Relationships and Consent
Healthy relationships are important. They are characterized by mutual respect, open communication, trust, support, boundaries, and consent.
Healthy relationships are not limited to only romantic partnerships. Our friendships and relationships with co-workers, family members, and peers are equally deserving of respect and consideration.
As mentioned by , it's important to explore standards, expectations, and boundaries in a relationship. Through meaningful exploration and dialogue, we can create healthier and safer dynamics with others.
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Respect — you both know what it means to each other
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You trust one another and that trust is earned
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When the going gets tough, you find a way to communicate
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You agree to disagree*
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You can also forgive each other*
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You’re both committed to the relationship
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You’re kind to each other
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You enjoy each other’s company and support each other’s goals
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You’re good at making decisions together
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You don’t dodge difficulty
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You’re comfortable in who you are and independent from your partner
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You’re comfortable with each other even when you’re not ‘on’
* There may be moments that you cannot agree to disagree due to the nature of the subject. If that is the case, it is more than okay to evaluate the dynamic of this relationship and if it serves you. The same can be said about forgiveness. Forgiveness can look different for various people. Ensure that this relationship dynamic is one open to your process. All of these characteristics are applicable to all relationships and are not limited to romantic partners.
Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/signs-of-a-healthy-relationship
Take this provided by Love is Respect.
Consent refers to the ability to affirm a situation, activity, or experience (either sexual or non-sexual). Although consent is often framed for sexual activity, it is important to check in with yourself and those around you even if the situation is non-sexual. Consent is essential in all types of relationships.
Providing consent also goes hand in hand with boundaries. Boundaries reflect the ability to set limits within a situation, activity, or experience (either sexual or non-sexual). It may be difficult to provide consent or set boundaries due to individual's upbringing, experience with peer pressure, lack of education on these topics, and for other reasons. For more information on how to create boundaries, visit .
Being able to provide consent or set boundaries lays the foundation for a loving, supportive, and healthy relationship.
Consent for sexual activity cannot be given:
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When someone gains power and control over someone else.
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When there is coercion, intimidation, threats and/or physical force.
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When a person is incapacitated from alcohol or drugs.
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When a person is unconscious.
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When a person if mentally or physically impaired or incapacitated.
If someone freezes, there is no consent. If someone appeases out of fear, there is no consent. If someone changes their mind and their desires are not respected, there is no consent.
Consent requires communication, tuning into body language, trust, and safety. This may require giving individuals time, space, and options to truly process if they would like to affirm an experience.
Consent can involve various forms of communication, both non-verbal and verbal. Students with disabilities may face challenges in communication, which can make expressing consent difficult. This might require alternative communication methods. Barriers such as misconceptions about people's capacities due to their disabilities can impact the consent process, leading to the individual's voices being ignored or undervalued.
Whenever you are unsure, check in directly to both verbal and non-verbal cues as well as create an environment that allows for choice, repeated conversations, and processing.
Talking about boundaries might feel awkward, but it’s essential for healthy relationships. Here are some steps to make it easier:
- Be Clear and Direct: Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you need space, express it clearly.
- Use "I" Statements: This helps to focus on your feelings rather than blaming others. For example, "I feel uncomfortable when…"
- Practice Active Listening: Pay attention to others when they talk about their boundaries. Show that you respect their needs.
- Ask Before Acting: Always seek consent before providing physical assistance.
- Recognize Autonomy: Encourage independence where possible, allowing individuals to make their own choices.
- Be Patient and Understanding: Everyone has different comfort levels, and it’s important to respect them.
- Use Clear and Simple Language: Avoid jargon. Keep explanations straightforward and to the point.
- Repetition and Reinforcement: Regularly revisit consent concepts. Use consistent examples and scenarios to reinforce learning.
- Role-Playing Exercises: Engage in role-playing to simulate real-life situations where consent is required. This hands-on approach can clarify abstract concepts.