Relationships are influenced by our gender, our sexuality, and many other aspects of our identity. These aspects are going to determine what we consider good or bad, desirable or detestable, healthy or unhealthy. It is very complex, but there are four elements that are required for a healthy relationship. They’re not sufficient, but they are necessary.
The four things that are needed for a healthy relationship are: respect, equality, safety, and trust. Each component can manifest in healthy ways (columns) or in unhealthy ways (shadows) in any relationship with actions and/or words.

This article has been adapted for educational purposes only. The original one was written by Sam Killerman and published on It’s pronounced Metrosexual