A strong dating relationship is based on EQUALITY and RESPECT, not power and control. Think about how you treat—and want to be treated by—someone you care about. Compare the examples of an equality based relationship listed below with those on the Power and Control in Dating Relationships Wheel.
Honesty and Responsbility
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Fairness and Negotiation
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- Not making excuses for your partner's or for your own actions
- Admitting when you are wrong
- Keeping your word
- Not canceling plans
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- Accepting changes
- Being willing to compromise
- Working to find solutions that are agreeable to both people
- Agreeing to disagree sometimes
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Open Communication
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Shared Responsiblity
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- Being able to express your feelings or opinions
- Knowing it is OK to disagree
- Saying what you mean and meaning what you say
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- Making decisions together
- Splitting or alternating the costs on dates
- Doing things for each other
- Going places you both enjoy
- Giving as much as you receive
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Intimacy
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Respect
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- Respecting your partner's boundaries
- Respecting each other's privacy
- Not pressuring your partner
- Being faithful
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- Paying attention to your partner, even when your friends are around
- Valuing your partner's opinion even if it differs from yours
- Listening to what your partner has to say
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Physical Affection
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Honesty and Responsibility
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- Holding hands
- Hugging
- Kissing
- Sitting or standing with your arm on your partner's shoulder
- Respecting each other's right to say "no"
- Asking before acting
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- Being supportive
- Wanting the best for your partner
- Knowing your parter likes you
- Offering encouragement when necessary
- Being OK with your partner having different friends
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In the strongest relationships, respect can't be beat.
Download and print the Equality in Dating Relationships Wheel.
