Love Is Not Ownership: What Healthy Relationships Look Like

We’ve all seen it: the couple that texts 24/7, shares locations, and gets mad over likes or follows. At first, it might seem cute — even romantic. But let’s be real: possessiveness isn’t love. It’s control dressed up as caring.

Healthy relationships aren’t about who’s checking in the most. They’re about trust, respect, space, and support — whether it’s a dating situation, close friendship, or situationship with feelings involved.

🚩 Wait... Is That Love or Control?

If someone says things like:

“If you really cared, you’d tell me everything.”

“You don’t need other friends, you’ve got me.”

“I get jealous because I love you.”

That’s not protection. That’s a red flag. 💬

✅ Green Flags to Look For:

You can both have your own lives — and still show up for each other

You feel safe expressing how you really feel

They listen to your boundaries (and you respect theirs)

You’re not afraid to be yourself — even on the bad days

You both grow together, not guilt each other into staying

🧠 It’s Not Just Romantic

Healthy relationships apply to friendships too. If someone gets mad every time you hang with someone else or guilt-trips you for not texting back right away, that’s something to pay attention to.

💬 Real Talk:

You don’t belong to anyone. And love isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being safe, seen, and supported.

🧠 Confidence Reminder:

You’re not “too much.” You’re not “hard to love.” You just need the right energy.