Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe Couples QuizWho Is This Couples Quiz For?What To Know About RelationshipsSigns of a Healthy RelationshipSigns of An Unhealthy Relationship
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Couples Quiz
Who Is This Couples Quiz For?
What To Know About Relationships
Signs of a Healthy Relationship
Signs of An Unhealthy Relationship
Close
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell how your relationship is going from inside of it. If you’re wondering how healthy your dynamic really is, take this free relationship quiz to find out:
This couples quiz is for anyone who is questioning their relationship dynamic and wants to know more about the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
It can help you better understand your feelings about your relationship and determine whether you might benefit from reaching out to a mental health professional, such as a couples therapist, to discuss your concerns. Each question on the test relates to feelings and behaviors associated with romantic relationships.
Relationships, romantic and otherwise, are social connections we need for a healthy life. Research shows that having healthy relationships boosts mental and physical health.On the other hand, unhealthy relationships can have a negative impact on mental and physical health.
As important as they are, relationships can be challenging. Each relationship usually has a mix of healthy and unhealthy behaviors. What makes a healthy relationship stand out is the effort each partner puts into resolving conflicts, communicating, and maintaining their connection.
Unhealthy relationships typically cause moreconflictand create stress. These relationships can have subtle signs of unhealthy patterns or clear signs of being toxic or abusive. Having an unhealthy relationship doesn’t always mean you should dissolve it. Sometimes unhealthy behaviors and dynamics can be addressed with the help of a mental health professional.
Healthy romantic relationships don’t just happen, they are createdwith mutual care, effort, and intention. By communicating openly andvulnerably, demonstrating care and consideration for each other, andbeing willing to adapt to changes and work through challengestogether, your love relationship can grow and thrive.—IVY KWONG, LMFT
Healthy romantic relationships don’t just happen, they are createdwith mutual care, effort, and intention. By communicating openly andvulnerably, demonstrating care and consideration for each other, andbeing willing to adapt to changes and work through challengestogether, your love relationship can grow and thrive.
—IVY KWONG, LMFT
Healthy relationships have some key elements in common.
Trust
The ability to trust a partner is important to any relationship. Learning to trust comes from our early relationships, such as those with our caregivers during childhood. Research suggests thatattachment styleinfluences trust. Two people who trust each other are more likely to have a healthy relationship dynamic.
Why Trust Matters in Your Relationship and How to Build It
Respect
Honesty
Both you and your partner should be able to share your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs honestly. Honest discussions between partners help build a strong relationship.
Ability to Solve Problems and Resolve Arguments
Good Communication
Communication is one of the core elements of a healthy relationship. One study found that a negative communication style was more likely than stress and personality to predict a couple’s likelihood of getting divorced.When partners can express themselves and talk through issues, they are more likely to have a lasting relationship.
Individuality
People in healthy relationships are able to be loved and appreciated for who they are and do the same for their partner. Each partner should still be able to be themselves. Neither should have to give up relationships with friends or family for the partnership.
Sexual Bond
Sexual compatibilityand getting consent are also important for a healthy relationship. Partners who are matched with a similar sex drive and preferences and those who are able to communicate their sexual needs are more likely to have an enjoyable sex life.
Some signs of an unhealthy relationship are more noticeable than others. It can be hard to recognize subtle signs, especially if you’re in love with someone.
Control
If one partner is exerting control over the other person, it’s not a healthy relationship dynamic. The controlling partner may be manipulative or use intimidation to prevent the other from doing things or seeing people.
Poor Communication
Good communication is key to a healthy relationship. Partners who aren’t able to communicate effectively with respect, honesty, and clarity are less likely to be able to solve problems and work through difficult issues.
Lack of Trust
When one or both partners don’t feel they can trust each other, it’s an indicator of an unhealthy relationship. Lack of trust could lead to hiding things from the other person or accusing them of behaviors, such as cheating.
Violence
Physical violence, such as hitting or shoving, and sexual violence, such as forcing someone into a sexual act without consent, is both unhealthy and abusive behavior.
Not all unhealthy relationships are abusive, but all abusive relationships are unhealthy.
3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Umberson D, Montez JK.Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy.J Health Soc Behav. 2010;51 Suppl(Suppl):S54–S66. doi:10.1177/0022146510383501Campbell L, Stanton SC.Adult attachment and trust in romantic relationships.Curr Opin Psychol. 2019;25:148-151. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.08.004Lavner JA, Bradbury TN.Why do even satisfied newlyweds eventually go on to divorce?.J Fam Psychol. 2012;26(1):1-10. doi:10.1037/a0025966Additional ReadingGrundström, J., Konttinen, H., Berg, N., & Kiviruusu, O. (2021).Associations between relationship status and mental well-being in different life phases from young to middle adulthood. SSM - Population Health, 14, 100774. ISSN 2352-8273. doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100774.Santini ZI, Koyanagi A, Tyrovolas S, Haro JM.The association of relationship quality and social networks with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among older married adults: Findings from a cross-sectional analysis of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).J Affect Disord.2015;179:134-41. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2015.03.015Youth.gov. (n.d.). Characteristics of Healthy & Unhealthy Relationships.https://youth.gov/youth-topics/teen-dating-violence/characteristics
3 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Umberson D, Montez JK.Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy.J Health Soc Behav. 2010;51 Suppl(Suppl):S54–S66. doi:10.1177/0022146510383501Campbell L, Stanton SC.Adult attachment and trust in romantic relationships.Curr Opin Psychol. 2019;25:148-151. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.08.004Lavner JA, Bradbury TN.Why do even satisfied newlyweds eventually go on to divorce?.J Fam Psychol. 2012;26(1):1-10. doi:10.1037/a0025966Additional ReadingGrundström, J., Konttinen, H., Berg, N., & Kiviruusu, O. (2021).Associations between relationship status and mental well-being in different life phases from young to middle adulthood. SSM - Population Health, 14, 100774. ISSN 2352-8273. doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100774.Santini ZI, Koyanagi A, Tyrovolas S, Haro JM.The association of relationship quality and social networks with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among older married adults: Findings from a cross-sectional analysis of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).J Affect Disord.2015;179:134-41. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2015.03.015Youth.gov. (n.d.). Characteristics of Healthy & Unhealthy Relationships.https://youth.gov/youth-topics/teen-dating-violence/characteristics
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Umberson D, Montez JK.Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy.J Health Soc Behav. 2010;51 Suppl(Suppl):S54–S66. doi:10.1177/0022146510383501Campbell L, Stanton SC.Adult attachment and trust in romantic relationships.Curr Opin Psychol. 2019;25:148-151. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.08.004Lavner JA, Bradbury TN.Why do even satisfied newlyweds eventually go on to divorce?.J Fam Psychol. 2012;26(1):1-10. doi:10.1037/a0025966
Umberson D, Montez JK.Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy.J Health Soc Behav. 2010;51 Suppl(Suppl):S54–S66. doi:10.1177/0022146510383501
Campbell L, Stanton SC.Adult attachment and trust in romantic relationships.Curr Opin Psychol. 2019;25:148-151. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.08.004
Lavner JA, Bradbury TN.Why do even satisfied newlyweds eventually go on to divorce?.J Fam Psychol. 2012;26(1):1-10. doi:10.1037/a0025966
Grundström, J., Konttinen, H., Berg, N., & Kiviruusu, O. (2021).Associations between relationship status and mental well-being in different life phases from young to middle adulthood. SSM - Population Health, 14, 100774. ISSN 2352-8273. doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100774.Santini ZI, Koyanagi A, Tyrovolas S, Haro JM.The association of relationship quality and social networks with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among older married adults: Findings from a cross-sectional analysis of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).J Affect Disord.2015;179:134-41. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2015.03.015Youth.gov. (n.d.). Characteristics of Healthy & Unhealthy Relationships.https://youth.gov/youth-topics/teen-dating-violence/characteristics
Grundström, J., Konttinen, H., Berg, N., & Kiviruusu, O. (2021).Associations between relationship status and mental well-being in different life phases from young to middle adulthood. SSM - Population Health, 14, 100774. ISSN 2352-8273. doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100774.
Santini ZI, Koyanagi A, Tyrovolas S, Haro JM.The association of relationship quality and social networks with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among older married adults: Findings from a cross-sectional analysis of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).J Affect Disord.2015;179:134-41. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2015.03.015
Youth.gov. (n.d.). Characteristics of Healthy & Unhealthy Relationships.https://youth.gov/youth-topics/teen-dating-violence/characteristics
Meet Our Review Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
What is your feedback?
