You Deserve a Healthy Relationship!
Are you wondering what a healthy relationship is and how to have one?
Great… keep reading!
A healthy relationship manifests itself with 7 ‘love’ principals.
Conflict Resolution
Flirting Versus Hurting
Flirting is a great way to show your interest in a person, and helps you get to know each other in a respectful way! Throw on a little extra ‘swag’ and you can even become more confident when you’re flirting with someone.
Sometimes, flirting can be taken too far and become ‘hurting’. Sexual harassment is harmful and is defined as unwelcome and unwanted attention that is sexual in nature.
How can you tell the difference? If you, or someone you speak to is making sexual comments, jokes or insults this could be harassment. Any unwanted physical touching, pinching or kissing is harassment and can leave someone feeling vulnerable and anxious.
If flirting, ever turns to ‘hurting’ remember it is NOT your fault. Always trust your instincts, set solid boundaries, report it and do not give up!
Remember it is always okay to ask for help, from a trusted person (parents, teachers, coaches, school nurse, etc.)
credit: Edward Cisneros
Borders, Boundaries and Lines
Boundaries are necessary in all healthy relationships and are essential to help you determine the ‘openness’ you’re comfortable with sharing, for you and your partner.
Personal boundaries are your ‘red line’ for your body, physical places, emotions, financial information and digital spaces as well! You are allowed to choose what you share with your partner, and visa versa. Mutual respect and trust are significant components to maintaining boundaries in your relationship and its up to you to do what makes you feel comfortable. It is okay to redefine your limits, and always trust your gut and do what is right for you.
Consent? Coercion? Dating? Relationships?
Let’s talk about it!
Provided BY: NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault
These boundaries are created around your digital lifestyle including your social media, computer, cell phone and any other online profiles/accounts. These boundaries can also include your feels about sexting, D.M’s, posts and other correspondence online. Establish with your partner how you feel about these limits, and what you’re comfortable with doing and ‘sharing’. It is also important to create boundaries with your accounts, and only share your passwords if you feel comfortable doing so.
These boundaries are in regard to the limits you set around your body, home and places you visit. These boundaries are important as they help you, and your partner determine your comfort level with intimacy. This intimacy can include P.D.A (Public Displays of Affection), and what type of touching may make you feel uncomfortable. Emotions can be strong in a relationship, so always make sure to practice healthy communication and respect each other’s views.
How To Break Up… If It’s Over
Breaking Up
the Final Level
Your Personal Guide to Ending a Relationship
Ask Yourself
Am I ready to break up?
1. Know Your Reason
Know why you want to break up. And how to explain it. Write it Out!
2. Decide How
Decide how you would like to communicate it to the other person. Practice Practice Practice.
3. Pick Your Spot
Set a good time when you can talk. Keep Your Safety in Mind! Let someone you trust know the what, when and where.
4. Keep it a Secret.
A break up can be difficult. Keep it to yourself until you are able to discuss it with the other person.
Make Clear Statements
Start Nice?
It can be helpfull to start nice and stay positive.
Be Firm and Direct
You can be positive and still communicate that your decision is Final.
You Decided
Saying "I've decided that I need to step away from this relationship." > "I think we should break up?"
You Really Decided
If you want to provide your reasons, go ahead. But don't feel like you need to defend your decision.
Understand
Your Feelings
arrow_rightYou may feel sad... even though you wanted to break up.
arrow_rightThat's ok! It doesn't mean you made the wrong decision.
arrow_rightYou may need time to process the break up.
arrow_rightTalking to a trusted friend is always helpful.
Let's Review
Make Sure You Want to Break Up.
Plan Out What You Will Say.
Pick a Time and Place. Keep Your Safety in Mind.
It's Ok if you feel Sad After it's Over. It's normal!
You Deserve to be with the Right Person! But going solo is better than being with the wrong person!
