Healthy friendships: spotting the ones that lift you

You don't always choose who's around you, but you can choose who to give energy to. A healthy friendship lets you breathe, laugh and be yourself. It doesn't ask you to shrink to belong.

The signs that reassure

With a good friend, you can say no without fear, be wrong without being humiliated, and speak without being betrayed. There are disagreements, but they're settled with respect. You leave those moments recharged rather than drained.

Conversely, watch out for relationships where you always walk on eggshells. If you feel put down, controlled or alone even in a group, you're not the problem. You have the right to step back.

Talking about it matters

If a relationship hurts you or puts you at risk, don't wait alone. A trusted adult or a helpline can help you see clearly and protect yourself. Nobody deserves to fear the people close to them.