With Valentine’s Day in the mix, February is a good month to reflect on how we build caring and supportive relationships, and how to identify if those relationships become unhealthy. Whether your relationship is romantic, platonic, professional, or familial, you deserve safety and respect.
Why Healthy Relationships Matter
Support our mental and physical wellbeing
Help us manage stress and navigate challenges
Encourage growth, purpose, and a sense of belonging
Give us the support we need to thrive—even during difficult times
What Healthy Relationships Look Like
Mutual trust, honesty, and respect
Open and clear communication
Support and connection without loss of independence
Shared effort, compromise, and accountability
What Unhealthy Relationships Can Include
Lack of respect or balance
Controlling, dismissive, or harmful behaviors
Dynamics that cause stress, fear, or isolation
Whether you know you’re in an unhealthy relationship or you need help figuring it out, you aren’t alone.
Professional counseling: Uwill (students) and EAP (employees)
Confidential on-campus assistance: Confidential Resource Provider Simone Jadczak
Student advising and support: CAPA
Reporting misconduct: Title IX Coordinator Elizabeth Perreault