Being in a respectful relationship

Domina

I predominantly think about safety, really.

You know, safety physically, emotionally, spiritually, culturally.

And having a relationship, that is really, at the heart, there for your best interests and for you to be the most authentic self, for you to grow and change, for you to set boundaries respectively, for you to learn about yourself in those kinda spaces.

Angelica

I definitely agree with that.

For me, you said the word authenticity, and that's one of the first words I always think about, is being authentic with whoever it is, you know, whether it's a romantic relationship, your family, friends.

And when you're able to be yourself, when you're able to be who you are and navigate that, and people respect those boundaries, that's what makes a respectful relationship so dynamic and powerful.

Georges

One where you feel comfortable.

Definitely where you can be yourself.

You don't have to try to be someone else.

You don't have to try to fit in.

You just feel comfortable.

You feel like you've known the person for a long time.

Shailja

Yeah, making each other better people almost, because you're trying to improve each other as you go along the way.

Understanding that disagreement doesn't mean the end of a relationship or doesn't mean we can no longer be friends, right?

Being able to have that disagreement means we're working together.

We're trying to understand each other better.

Nathan

A relationship where there's mutual trust and mutual respect, no indifferences of power. 

Equality, really.

Aroha

Somewhere that it feels safe, where it's not just a one-way street, where there's a listener.

Somebody that has an understanding or understands where you're coming from.

Cosmin

You listen. 

You listen to the other person.

You make sure that their voice feels heard, and not just feels heard but actually is heard.

So without that? Well, why are you even in a relationship?

Abdallah

So you have to communicate, and I would say communication is the key.

Because regardless of how much you love each other and how much you think you are compatible, there's gonna be differences and you might have disagreements.

Shahida

A connection that is based on loyalty, honesty, and your values are being respected.

Your difference and your imperfections are being respected, and you're being accepted just the way you are.

It's connection that you feel comfortable being you.

You don't have to change.

The right person will not change you.

They will accept you for who you are.

We're all different and that's what makes us beautiful and unique.