Safety in Intimate Relationships: Commitment

This is the fourth in a multi-part series on Safety in Intimate Relationships. Check out the previous blogs on Physical Safety, Emotional Safety, and Intellectual Safety!

When I have conversations with people about safety in intimate relationships, often the only thing that comes to mind is physical safety. However, safety encompasses more than that.

Here are some signs of commitment safety in a relationship:

•  You’re certain about where you stand in your relationship.
• You can communicate about your level of commitment.
• Your levels of commitment are compatible. Neither one of you is moving faster than the other is comfortable with.
• You can distinguish between promises and commitments. Promises are stated future intents regarding specific acts/events, while commitments are both demonstrated by behaviors and consistent thoughts and beliefs.

Safety in relationships is worth prioritizing!

Note: If you are feeling unsafe in your relationship, please reach out to The Domestic Violence Hotline or your local domestic violence organization. You deserve to be safe in your relationships.