What does a respectful dating relationship look like?

You want to know what healthy actually looks like, because a lot of what you see online and around you doesn't feel right.

• Intensity often gets mistaken for love — fast, possessive, all-consuming feels exciting but isn't safety.
• Jealousy is frequently sold as proof of caring.
• Few people are ever shown a model of steady, respectful partnership.

Before you decide anything, take four slow breaths — in for 4, out for 6. You think more clearly on the other side of a calm breath than in the middle of a fast feeling.

1. 1Look for the green flags: honesty, comfort saying no, support for your other friendships and goals, calm after disagreement.
2. 2Watch for red flags: monitoring your phone, isolating you, pressure for photos or physical contact, blaming you for their anger.
3. 3Keep your own life. A healthy relationship adds to your world instead of shrinking it.

Write your personal list of three things you will not accept in a relationship.

Play it forward. If you take this step, what happens tomorrow? Next week? What does it protect — your peace, your grades, your relationships, your future? Leaders think one move ahead.

• One-Minute BreathingSlow your body down in 60 seconds with a longer exhale.
• Positive AffirmationsWords that steady you before you step out.
• Talk to a Trusted AdultA script for starting the conversation you've been avoiding.
• Get HelpCrisis resources and a personal safety plan.