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Dating relationships are a very important part of a
teenager's life. Through dating relationships, you can
learn about a person's likes, dislikes and their values.
Dating can be very complex with numerous feelings and
emotions. You may feel very excited, intimidated, challenged
and rewarded. Whatever emotion or feeling you may experience,
dating relationships require a strong will and commitment
to knowing yourself.
How do you know if you are in a healthy or unhealthy
relationship? Everyone wants a relationship that is
full of:
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Trust: When you are able to count on
each other
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Respect: Accepting and understanding each
other's opinions and beliefs, and
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Open and honest communication: A willingness
to share how you feel and freely express yourself
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These qualities of trust, respect and open-honest communication
relate openly to the topic of sex. Sex requires both
partners in a relationship to take full responsibility
towards understanding their actions and decisions. Sex
can actually complicate a relationship, although sex
is a way in which people express their feelings and
emotions for each other. Through communication, both
partners may develop a clear understanding of each other's
personal values in their relationships. No one should
ever feel pressured to have sex. Decisions about having
sex may be the most important decisions you will ever
have to make.
Unfortunately, unhealthy relationships do exist. In
an unhealthy relationship, there is a lack of open and
honest communication. Partners may not listen to one
another or may not allow the other to express views
about any issues. Some partners abuse their partner
either physically (through unwanted touches, kissing,
hitting, pushing, slapping) and even sexually. There
may also be verbal abuse, where your partner calls you
names and mistreats you in public. Verbal and physical
abuse are shown in unhealthy relationships. Often, this
abuse may cause you to feel intimidated or scared when
around your partner. These forms of abuse may leave
emotional scars for any relationship in the future.
You should never be forced to do anything that you do
not want to do.
Just remember. When it comes to relationships:
- You don't have to
have sex with someone to prove you like or love them.
- Sex should never
be used to pay someone back for something…all
you have to say is "Thank you."
- Sharing thoughts,
beliefs, feelings and most of all, mutual respect
is what makes a relationship strong.
- Saying "No"
can be the best way to say, "I love you."
- Communication is
the key to any type of relationship.
Reminder: Relationships take a lot of hard work and
time. Have fun.
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Just for Teens
Am I Ready
to Have Sex?
Fast Facts
Understanding
Peer Pressure
 Healthy
and Unhealthy Relationships
Communication
Teen
Sexuality
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