Respect is…
“a feeling or understanding that any person is important and should be treated in a good way.” Respect is demonstrated by appreciating your partner(s) opinions, and decisions. It’s about deciding and marking limits, listening to your partner when they say “Yes,” “No,” or “Maybe.”

Equality is…
“being equal in status, rights, and opportunities.” Power is balanced by (and between) the people in the relationship. Decisions are made together.

Safety is…
“the condition of being protected from danger, risk, or injury”. It is safety with and from each other in the relationship. Safety is about knowing that your partner won’t intentionally hurt you — physically, emotionally, or psychologically. It’s knowing that they care for your general well-being.

Trust is…
“the belief that a person is reliable, good, honest.” A mutual trust that the partners in the relationship can believe one another and be good to one another. Trust is about knowing that you aren’t manipulated.

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