Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the importance of healthy relationships. At Huckleberry House, we recognize the significant role that relationships—whether romantic, familial, or friendships—and community support play in the well-being of young people. Knowing how to identify safe and unsafe connections is essential to creating a positive and supportive community.
Understanding relationship “red flags” (warning signs of unhealthy or harmful behaviors) and “green flags” (positive, healthy traits to seek out), young people—and you—can make choices that prioritize safety and well-being.
Green Flags: Signs of a Healthy Relationship
A healthy relationship—whether with a partner, friend, or family member—should make you feel safe, supported, and valued. Look for these key green flags:
✅ Open & Honest Communication – You can share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
✅ Mutual Respect – Both people value each other’s boundaries, choices, and individuality.
✅ Trust & Support – You feel secure in the relationship and know they have your back.
✅ Encouragement for Growth – They support your goals and encourage your independence.
✅ Healthy Conflict Resolution – Disagreements are handled with respect, without insults or threats.
✅ Feeling Safe & Comfortable – You can be yourself without fear of criticism, control, or retaliation.
Red Flags: When to Take a Step Back
Red flags signal that a relationship may not be safe, respectful, or supportive. These behaviors might seem minor at first but can escalate over time. If you notice any of these, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship and seek support:
🚩 Lack of Respect – They dismiss your opinions, mock your interests, or ignore your boundaries.
🚩 Controlling Behavior – They dictate who you can talk to, what to wear, or how to spend your time.
🚩 Jealousy & Possessiveness – They constantly check in, get angry when you spend time with others, or accuse you of unfaithfulness.
🚩 Gaslighting & Manipulation – They twist the truth to make you doubt yourself or feel guilty for their actions.
🚩 Disrespecting Boundaries – They pressure you into uncomfortable situations or refuse to take “no” for an answer.
🚩 Threats or Intimidation – They use fear to control you, whether through words, actions, or destructive behavior like breaking things during arguments.
If You Need Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing these behaviors, remember—you are not alone, and help is available:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers 24/7 confidential support at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or via text by sending “START” to 88788.
- Ohio Domestic Violence Network provides local resources and support at odvn.org.
- Love is Respect offers discreet online resources, relationship quizzes, and live chat with advocates at loveisrespect.org, with a quick-exit feature for safety.
Supporting Young Survivors
Many of the young people in our Housing Programs are survivors of domestic violence. Through our Transitional Living Program, these young survivors receive additional security, support, and 24/7 access to trained professionals through our Crime Victims Services (CVS) team. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for healing. Participants work to establish boundaries and use legal resources to ensure their safety and the safety of their children.
Recognizing red and green flags empowers young people to make informed decisions about their relationships. Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected.
