{"id":106,"date":"2026-01-16T16:59:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T21:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/?page_id=106"},"modified":"2026-03-25T12:34:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T16:34:42","slug":"healthy-relationships","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/relationship-sexual-violence-prevention\/healthy-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthy Relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-custom-content-position is-position-center-left\" style=\"min-height:202px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-6180 size-full\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Smokey-Gray-Mountains.jpg\" style=\"object-position:50% 65%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 65%\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\"><h1 style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--large);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--large);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-small);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-small);margin-right:0;margin-left:0\" class=\"has-text-align-left has-link-color wp-elements-2669c25cd1f06430b4b85ebffeced485 wp-block-post-title has-text-color has-white-color\">Healthy Relationships<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator alignfull has-alpha-channel-opacity\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-002ffff5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Relationship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A relationship (<em>noun<\/em>) is \u201ca connection formed between two or more people or groups based on social interactions and mutual goals, interests, or feelings\u201d (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.oed.com\/dictionary\/relationship_n?tab=meaning_and_use#183473160\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oxford English Dictionary<\/a>). Throughout our lives, we will form many relationships with other people. Some relationships may be transactional and temporary,&nbsp;whereas&nbsp;others may be close and permanent. It is important that we prioritize having <strong>healthy relationships<\/strong> with the people we are close to, including friends, roommates, family, classmates, and romantic partners. By practicing healthy relationships in all aspects of our lives, we can normalize healthy behavior and recognize red flags more quickly.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;important to note that the signs of power and control can pop up in any relationship.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Relationships are connections formed between&nbsp;people or groups based on social interactions, shared goals, or feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prioritizing healthy&nbsp;relationships&nbsp;with friends, roommates, classmates, and romantic partners is important. By prioritizing positive relationship habits, a stronger connection can be built, and warning signs&nbsp;are recognized&nbsp;when they arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do You Know the Signs of a Healthy Relationship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthy relationships are built on <strong>equality.<\/strong> The concept of the <strong>Equality Wheel<\/strong> highlights key components that help create a healthy relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Equality means working together to make decisions, ensuring all voices are heard, and creating an environment where each person has an equal role in shaping the relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following components represent qualities that support equality in relationships:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion\"><div data-accordion=\"true\" class=\"utk-wds-accordion-wrapper\" data-color-scheme=\"light\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Trust &amp; Support<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You can believe, rely on, and be&nbsp;kind&nbsp;to one another<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You support one another\u2019s passions and goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotionally affirming and understanding one another&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Knowing that you&nbsp;aren\u2019t&nbsp;manipulating, misleading, or taking advantage of one another<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Safety &amp; Comfort<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensuring you can express yourselves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Creating an environment where everyone feels safe&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Knowing that you&nbsp;won\u2019t&nbsp;intentionally hurt one another<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Negotiation &amp; Fairness<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Seeking&nbsp;mutually-satisfying&nbsp;resolutions to conflict<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accept changes&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being able to&nbsp;agree to disagree<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being willing and able to compromise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prioritizing fair,&nbsp;equitable&nbsp;distribution of responsibilities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Honesty &amp; Accountability<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accepting responsibility for yourselves and your actions&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Admitting when you are wrong, apologizing, and&nbsp;seeking&nbsp;to make amends<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Communicating openly and truthfully<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Holding&nbsp;each other accountable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Respect<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Appreciating one another\u2019s viewpoints, opinions, beliefs, and decisions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Setting,&nbsp;observing, and respecting each other\u2019s boundaries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognizing the importance of the relationship, treating it with care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Independence<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Giving each other room to breathe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prioritizing yourself. Taking time alone or with others you care about<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not expecting each other to fulfill&nbsp;all of&nbsp;your needs, complete you, or solve all problems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Boundaries<\/strong>&nbsp;surround the&nbsp;Equality&nbsp;Wheel. They help define the limits and expectations we set for ourselves within and outside of relationships.&nbsp;Healthy boundaries empower individuals to say \u201cno\u201d when necessary while also&nbsp;embracing&nbsp;valued experiences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-002ffff5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are Some Signs of an Abusive Relationship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The\u00a0<strong>Power and Control Wheel<\/strong>\u00a0is a tool used to understand the signs of abusive relationships.\u00a0 <strong>Power and control<\/strong> are often at the root of relationship abuse. Abuse\u00a0involves exerting dominance over\u00a0another person. Any\u00a0one\u00a0of these\u00a0behaviors\u00a0can point to an abusive relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion\"><div data-accordion=\"true\" class=\"utk-wds-accordion-wrapper\" data-color-scheme=\"light\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Emotional Abuse<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Putting you or making you feel bad about yourself<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Playing&nbsp;mind games<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making you feel guilty<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Name-calling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Isolation<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Controlling what you do or read<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Controlling who you see or talk to<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Controlling where you go<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limiting your involvement with others or keeping you from seeing family or friends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using jealousy to justify their actions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Economic\/Academic Abuse<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Controlling your access to money and\/or classes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preventing you from getting or keeping a job or going to class<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Taking your money<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Coercion &amp; Threats<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Threatening to embarrass or leave you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pressuring you to commit illegal actions or engage in behaviors you&nbsp;don\u2019t&nbsp;want to<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Threatening to hurt themselves or end their own life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making or carrying out threats to hurt you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Minimize, Deny, &amp; Blame<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gaslighting&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making light of abuse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saying the abuse&nbsp;didn\u2019t&nbsp;happen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saying you caused the abuse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shifting responsibility&nbsp;of&nbsp;abusive behavior<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Intimidation<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Making you feel afraid by using looks, actions, or gestures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Displaying weapons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Destroying things or property when angry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Abusing your pets or children<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Violence<\/strong>\u202fis often used as&nbsp;the&nbsp;mechanism to exert power and control over another person. Relationship violence is\u202f<strong>prohibited<\/strong> under the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/titleix.utk.edu\/title-ix-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UT Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating and Domestic Violence, and Stalking<\/a>. There are <a href=\"https:\/\/titleix.utk.edu\/get-help\/resources-and-support-complainants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">resources and supports<\/a>&nbsp;available for students who have experienced or are experiencing relationship violence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theduluthmodel.org\/wheels\/\" id=\"https:\/\/www.theduluthmodel.org\/wheels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Equality and Power and Control Wheels are adapted from the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, Duluth, Minnesota.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Campus Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/titleix.utk.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Office of Title IX<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/counselingcenter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Student Counseling Center<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/studenthealth.utk.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Student Health Center<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Community Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mcnabbcenter.org\/victim-services\/#domestic-violence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">McNabb Center<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fjcknoxville.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Knoxville Family Justice Center<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ywcaknox.com\/programs-services\/victim-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YWCA Knoxville<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/growfreetn.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a Relationship A relationship (noun) is \u201ca connection formed between two or more people or groups based on social interactions and mutual goals, interests, or feelings\u201d (Oxford English Dictionary). Throughout our lives, we will form many relationships with other people. Some relationships may be transactional and temporary,&nbsp;whereas&nbsp;others may be close and permanent. It [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":27,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"no-title","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-106","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/106","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=106"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/106\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}