Green Flags
One quality you would expect in a healthy relationship
Examples include trust, respect, honesty, communication, support, safety, or healthy boundaries.
True or false: You are allowed to say no to a friend.
True.
Which is healthier: yelling until someone agrees with you or calmly explaining how you feel?
Calm, assertive communication.
A friend spends recreation with someone else. Is that automatically a sign that she doesn't care about you?
No. Healthy friendships allow other friendships and independence.
Your friend looks upset but says she doesn't want to talk yet.
Respect her space and let her know support is available.
Examples include trust, respect, honesty, communication, support, safety, or healthy boundaries.
True.
Your friend wants to borrow something that you don't want to lend out. Give an assertive response.
“I'm not comfortable lending that out, but we can find something else.”
Turn this into an assertive statement:
“You NEVER listen to me!”
“I feel frustrated because I don't feel heard. Can I explain what I'm trying to say?”
Two friends are arguing and want you to choose sides. What could you do?
Maintain boundaries, avoid escalating the conflict, encourage them to communicate directly, and seek staff support if necessary.
Someone tells you gossip about another client and asks you to spread it.
Don't spread it and redirect away from gossip.
Your friend is happy when you spend time with other people and doesn't make you feel guilty about it. What healthy quality does this demonstrate?
Trust, independence, and respect.
A friend says, “If you were really my friend, you would tell me your password.” What boundary issue is happening?
Pressure and lack of respect for privacy.
What are three things that make someone a good listener?
Examples include allowing someone to finish, paying attention, asking questions, checking understanding, and responding respectfully.
Your friend tells you that something you said hurt her feelings. What's a healthy first response?
Listen without immediately becoming defensive, try to understand her perspective, and take accountability when appropriate.
Your friend makes a choice you disagree with.
Respectfully express concern if appropriate while remembering that you cannot control another person's decisions.
Name three green flags you might notice in a healthy friendship.
Answers may include respecting boundaries, honesty, accountability, support, listening, independence, trust, and healthy communication.
Why can two people have different boundaries without either person being wrong?
People have different comfort levels, experiences, needs, and preferences. Healthy relationships communicate and respect those differences.
Your friend sends you “K.” You immediately think she's angry. What should you do before reacting?
Check the facts instead of assuming what the message means.
Someone apologizes for repeatedly crossing your boundaries but continues doing the same thing. What matters besides the apology?
Changed behavior and accountability.
You're extremely angry during an argument and realize you're about to say something hurtful.
Pause the conversation, request space, regulate, and return to the conversation when calmer.
What is the difference between someone supporting you and someone trying to control you?
Support respects your choices and boundaries. Control involves trying to make decisions for you or pressuring you to behave a certain way.
What's the difference between setting a boundary and trying to control someone?
A boundary explains what you will or won't accept/do. Control attempts to dictate another person's choices.
Complete this healthy communication formula:
“I feel ___ when ___ because ___. I need/would like ___.”
Responses vary but should communicate feelings, situation, reason, and request without attacking the other person.
Your friend is upset with you and begins telling other people about the disagreement instead of talking to you. What could be a healthier approach?
Communicate directly when both people are calm, maintain appropriate boundaries, avoid retaliation/gossip, and seek neutral support if needed.
A close friend repeatedly pressures you to break rules because “friends are supposed to have each other's backs.” What could you say?
“I care about you, but I'm not going to do something that could get either of us in trouble. Being your friend doesn't mean I have to make the same choices you do.”