Self-Assessment: Am I in a Healthy or Abusive Relationship?

Read each statement and answer honestly with Yes / Sometimes / No.
There are no right or wrong answers — only information.


Emotional Safety

  • Do I feel emotionally safe expressing my thoughts, feelings, or needs?
  • When I’m upset, am I listened to rather than dismissed, mocked, or blamed?
  • Do disagreements stay respectful, without intimidation or cruelty?
  • Do I feel calmer and more grounded over time — not more anxious or confused?

Respect & Equality

  • Are my opinions, boundaries, and choices respected even when they differ?
  • Is there a balance of power, or do I often feel “less than” or controlled?
  • Am I spoken to with basic respect, even during conflict?
  • Am I free to say no without fear of punishment or withdrawal?

Boundaries

  • Are my boundaries acknowledged and upheld?
  • When I set a boundary, is it accepted — not argued, tested, or ignored?
  • Do I feel allowed to have privacy, independence, and personal space?
  • Am I able to maintain friendships, family connections, and interests?

Trust & Honesty

  • Do I trust what my partner says, and do their actions match their words?
  • Am I accused of things I haven’t done (lying, cheating, intent to harm)?
  • Do I feel I must constantly explain, justify, or defend myself?
  • Do I ever feel confused after conversations, unsure what actually happened?

Control & Autonomy

  • Do I make my own decisions about money, time, and daily life?
  • Am I ever pressured, threatened, or manipulated to comply?
  • Has my partner tried to control my finances, movements, or resources?
  • Do I feel free — or do I feel managed?

Accountability

  • When harm occurs, does my partner take responsibility without deflecting?
  • Are apologies followed by real change?
  • Or do the same behaviours repeat, with excuses or blame shifting?

Impact on You

  • Since this relationship began, do I feel more confident — or diminished?
  • Has my self-esteem grown, or eroded?
  • Do I feel like myself — or a smaller, quieter version?
  • Do I often feel exhausted, hyper-alert, or emotionally numb?

Reflection

  • If someone I loved were in this relationship, would I be concerned?
  • Do I spend more time managing the relationship than enjoying it?
  • Am I staying because of love — or fear, obligation, guilt, or hope it will change?

Quiet Interpretation (Not a Diagnosis)

  • Mostly “Yes” → The relationship shows signs of health and safety.
  • Many “Sometimes” → There may be unhealthy patterns worth examining.
  • Several “No” or strong discomfort answering → These are red flags. Pay attention to them.

A healthy relationship adds to your life.
An abusive one requires you to shrink to survive.

If you’re unsure, confused, or doubting your own perceptions — that uncertainty itself is important information.

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