Healthy Relationships
Healthy Relationships That Last
Healthy relationships are those built on trust, communication, respect, and consent. It is important to identify behaviors in your relationships that are healthy and positive, as well as some that may be unhealthy or harmful. Recognizing the characteristics of unhealthy relationships and working towards healthy behaviors will help keep you safe.
No relationship is perfect, but healthy behaviors should be present in every relationship you have, including friendships, romantic partners, and family members.
Healthy Relationship Signs
Unhealthy Relationship Signs
Violent Relationship Signs
The Role of Consent in Healthy Relationships
Consent is the voluntary, affirmative, and freely-given agreement, through words and/ or actions in reference to sexual and non-sexual physical touch. If a person is unable to give informed consent, meaning they are incapable of giving an audible and clear approval for what you are about to partake in, you do not have consent.
Consent Looks Like:
- Confirming that there is reciprocal interest before initiating any physical touch.
- Letting your partner know that you can stop at any time.
- Periodically checking in with your partner, such as asking “Is this still okay?” And receiving clear confirmation that your partner wants to continue.
- Providing positive feedback when you’re comfortable with an activity.
- Explicitly agreeing to certain activities, either by saying “yes” or another affirmative statement, like “I’m comfortable with that.”
- Using physical cues to let the other person know you’re comfortable.
Reduce Your Risk of Committing Sexual Misconduct:
- Always clearly communicate your intentions AND give others a chance to clearly communicate their intentions to you.
- If they say “no” or give any other verbal or non-verbal indication that they do not want physical contact. Stop Immediately.
- Respect personal boundaries. If the person says they are uncomfortable with your actions, stop what you are doing and respect their decision.
- Mixed messages, silence, or stillness, are a clear indication that you should stop your actions.
- Avoid ambiguity. Just ask. Do not make assumptions about consent, about whether someone is attracted to you, or how far you can go with that person. If you have questions or are unclear, you do not have consent.
Why Christians Should Care About Healthy, Consenting Relationships
We should strive to create healthy relationships because they cultivate safe environments and lead to productive members of our society and community. God cares deeply about how we interact with others. Scripture calls us to:
- Love one another (1 Corinthians 13; Colossians 3:12)
- Respect others (Romans 12:10)
- Take responsibility (Proverbs 28:13)
- Be truthful and humble (Proverbs 12:22; Ephesians 4:2; James 4:6,10)
- Serve one another (Acts 20:35; Matthew 5:16)
It’s important to remember that all relationships are hard work, but you should never stay in a relationship that is harmful or dangerous.
If you have experienced an unhealthy or dangerous relationship, we are here to help. Contact the Office of Equity & Compliance at oec@liberty.edu or (434) 592-4999 for more information about healthy relationships, your reporting options, and how you can access support.
Developing a Healthy Relationship
2. Honesty
3. Respect
4. Humility and Communication
5. Service
6. Patience
7. Take Responsibility
Disclosure
While Liberty University’s expectation is for all students to abstain from sexual activity outside of a biblically ordained marriage, the University recognizes that sexual activity does occur within this community. To keep our campus safe and work to prevent sexual misconduct from occurring, everyone must understand the importance of consent within every healthy relationship.