Lesson 17 Healthy Relationships
Lesson 17 Healthy Relationships
Relationships
I KNOW THE SIGNS OF A HEALTHY
RELATIONSHIP
Put a HEART before each statement that you think is a sign of a healthy relationship;
put an X on each statement that you think is a sign of an unhealthy relationship.
Like to spend
time together
In a healthy relationship,
both partners:
Take an interest
in things that are
important to
each other
In a healthy relationship,
both partners:
Respect one
another’s emotional,
physical and sexual
limits
In a healthy relationship,
both partners:
1 in 6 women and 1
in 33 men will be
sexually assaulted
in their lifetime.
Love should never hurt.
But sometimes it does:
1.5 million women
are sexually assaulted
or otherwise
physically abused by
their partners each
year.
Love should never hurt.
But sometimes it does:
Over 800,000 males
are sexually or
physically abused by
partners.
Love should never hurt.
But sometimes it does:
Abuse can occur in
any type of
relationship--gay and
straight, casual and
long-term, young and
old.
Love should never hurt.
But sometimes it does:
About 10% of high
school students say
that have suffered
violence from
someone they date.
Break the Silence:
Stop the Violence
It may shock you to know that one out of every
eleven teens' reports being hit or physically hurt
by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the past twelve
months. But why is that, and how can we change
it? In "Break The Silence: Stop the Violence,"
parents talk with teens about developing healthy,
respectful relationships before they start dating.
HOW TO
COMMUNICATE
Talking openly makes relationships more fun and
satisfying; especially when you both talk about each
other’s needs for physical, emotional, mental and
sexual health. You can’t expect a partner to know
what you want and need unless you tell them. The
simple fact is that none of us are a mind reader--so
it's important to be open about your needs and
expectations.
So, what's to talk
about?
Sexually Transmitted
Infections (STIs): This
is actually an issue that
all teenagers and adults
must be aware of.
Anybody who engages
in sexual activity is
prone to have this one.
Possibility of
Pregnancy: Females
who engage in sex
have a high
percentage of putting
themselves in this
kind of situation.
Right time for sex:
You can consider your
current status as a
student if it is really
high time to be
involved in this kind of
activity. Will this make
or break your future?
Boundaries:
Making the decision
to set your limits in
a relationship shows
your maturity to
assert your priorities
and respecting
yourself.
MAKING THE
DECISION:
DECIDING WHETHER
OR NOT TO HAVE
SEX
The decision of whether or not to
have sex is up to you, and you alone.
Therefore, don’t be afraid to say
"no" if that’s how you feel.
Having sex for the first time can be a huge emotional event. There are
many questions and feelings that you may want to sort out before you
actually get "in the heat of the moment." Ask yourself:
● Am I really ready to have sex?
● How am I going to feel after I having sex?
● Am I doing this for the right reasons?
● How do I plan to protect myself/my partner from sexually
transmitted infections or pregnancy?
● How am I going to feel about my partner afterwards?
TALKING TO
YOUR PARENTS
You probably think that talking to your parents
about sex is impossible. The truth is that most
parents want to help their kids make smart
decisions about sex. They know it's vital for
teens to have accurate information and sound
advice to aid the decision-making process.
Your friends really don't know any more than
you do, no matter what they say about their
sexual experience. The Internet, and other
media, can't give you everything you need.
Only people who know you can do that.
Peer pressure is always tough to deal with, especially when
it comes to sex. Some teenagers decide to have sexual
relationships because their friends think sex is cool. Others
feel pressured by the person they are dating. Still others
find it easier to give in and have sex than to try to explain
why not. Some teenagers get caught up in the romantic
feelings and believe having sex is the best way they can
prove their love.
But remember: Not every person your age is
having sex. Even if sometimes it feels like
everyone is "doing it," it is important to realize that
this is not true. People often talk about sex in a
casual manner, but this doesn't mean they are
actually having sex.
How to avoid peer
or date pressure
If you're worried about being pressured or you are
currently experiencing it, know
that you are not alone and there is something you
can do about it.