Building Relationship Equality

Relationship Equality Healthy relationships are based on

Equality (balance of power and control)

People believe both are equal, neither tries to gain power or control, results in a non-violent and healthy relationship

Communication and Compromise

Equality: Non-threatening Behavior

Talking and acting so both partners feel comfortable expressing their opinions/decisions

Both feel safe around each other◦(Not exhibiting

Physical/Emotional abuse)

Equality: Trust and Support

Encouraging partner’s goals

Pointing out talents/strengths

Valuing their feelings/opinions

Respecting Privacy

◦(facebook stalking, checking their phones,

checking in too often)

Listening

Equality: Connections w/Others

Maintain friendships and family relationships with

others

Enjoy activities outside the relationship with other

people

Make own decisions about where they go,

what they do, who they hang out with

Equality: Honesty and AccountabilityAccepting responsibility for one’s own

actionsAcknowledging mistakes/admitting when

wrongCommunicating openly and truthfully

◦Trusting partner and being trustworthy

Equality: Responsible Parenting

Communicating and making

responsible decisions about

pregnancy

Sharing responsibilities and

being positive to each other

Demonstrating non-violent

role models for children

Equality: Negotiation and Fairness

Both partners have equal

decision-making power

Willing to compromise

Rules and agreements are

made together and apply

equally to both

Financial/Economic Independence

Both partners control their own money

Negotiate about shared expenses

No demands for money or material items

Have the ability to purchase things with

own money

Equality: Sexual Safety

Both partners are able to say “no” to any

sexual behavior not comfortable with

Honor and respect each other’s sexual

decisions

Communicate about sex and practice

“safe sex” if sexually active