We spoke to social worker Kamesh Flynn about what makes a relationship healthy. See what she has to say and take the Healthy Relationship Quiz to check out the health of your relationships.

What would you say are the key elements of a good relationship?
I think key elements of a good relationships are openness, respect, communication, humility (being able to say sorry and forgive), and most importantly friendship.

What would be the warning signs of an abusive relationship?
Lack of respect is the biggest warning sign. Then there are things like abusive language e.g. swearing at you, shouting at you degrading you, physical hitting, pushing, shoving, scratching, throwing things, sexual abuse (any sexual advances where you have said no and are uncomfortable), emotional abuse, where you are made to feel worthless, degraded with words, or actions, or in public.

What are your top tips for developing a healthy relationship?
I would say open communication, spending quality time together and learning each others ways of showing and receiving love and affection. It’s also vital to be able to say sorry when you let the other person down. Encouraging the other person, loving them and supporting them even when you don’t always agree with them, as long as they aren’t putting you, themselves or others in danger, is also important.

What are your top tips for getting out of an abusive relationship?
Speak to a counselor. Write down a list of what you have always dreamed/imagined having in a relationship. This is not idealistic, this is what you deserve. Stick to that list, WAIT for that person to come along. Don’t settle because you think you fear being alone. That sort of fear based decision will only end in your unhappiness and you always being afraid! Be free to make the decision to leave what you don’t want. You always have a choice. No one can take that away from you.