It’s important to recognize that the concept of “dating” can vary greatly depending on who a person is, their age, life experience, culture, religion, and gender. But, regardless of these differences, healthy relationships—whether casual or well-established—have many elements in common: respect, communication, and trust.

Everyone, regardless of who they are, has certain rights. When you become involved with someone else, you still have these rights. Being in a relationship doesn’t change what you can or can’t choose for yourself. Understanding these basic concepts is a great start to building a healthy and respectful relationship.

• Healthy relationships are based on mutual respect. Everyone deserves and is entitled to be treated with kindness and respect.
• Everyone has the right to choose whether they want to date someone or spend time with them.
• Everyone has a right to privacy. Individuals are free to choose what personal information they want to share and what they want to keep private.
• Everyone has the right to keep their independence and spend time with their own friends and family.
• Everyone has the right to set boundaries in their relationship and decide for themselves what activities are right for them.
• Everyone has a right to be safe and have a relationship that is free from violence and abuse.
• Everyone has the right to end a relationship without being harassed or bullied.
• Individuals in a relationship have a responsibility to respect that the other person in the relationship has these same rights.
• Individuals in a relationship have a responsibility to accept the choices that the other person in the relationship makes for themselves.

It’s important to remember that both partners in a relationship have these rights and responsibilities. However, your dating rights do not mean that you get to decide what is right for someone else.

Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

Within the relationship, does one person…

• worry about making the other person angry?
• need to ask permission before deciding to do something?
• apologize or make excuses for the other person’s behaviour?
• feel isolated from other friends and family?
• deal with jealous or controlling behaviour?
• constantly receive calls or texts from the other person?
• worry about the other person’s drinking or substance use?
• feel fearful or threatened?
• have unexplained bruises or injuries?