Keeping a Healthy

Relationship
GROUP 4
 KEEPING A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP
Healthy relationships, particularly those formed in
youth, are enjoyable and contribute significantly
to personal growth. Developing truly good
relationships requires time and energy. Crucially,
all relationships, especially in dating, should be
founded on respect and honesty.
 In a healthy relationship, both partners:
● Are treated with kindness and respect
●Are honest with each other
● Like to spend time together
●Take an interest in things that are important to each other
● Respect one another’s emotional, physical and sexual limits
●Can speak honestly about their feeling
 Love should never hurt
In dating relationships, it's crucial to prioritize self-care.
About 10% of high school students report experiencing
violence from a dating partner, including physical and
sexual abuse. Physical abuse involves hitting or kicking,
while sexual abuse ranges from unwelcome advances to
intercourse. Emotional abuse harms self-esteem and
includes hurtful comments or attempts to control.
Remember, everyone deserves healthy and happy
relationships, and any form of abuse is never acceptable.
ABUSE AND ASSAULT
Love should never be harmful. But sometimes it does:
● 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men may face sexual assault in their
lifetime.
● 1.5 million women are sexually assaulted or otherwise physically
abused by their partners each year.
● Over 800,000 males are sexually or physically abused by partners.
● Abuse can occur in any type of relationship--gay and straight, casual
and long-term, young and old.
● About 10% of high school students say that have suffered violence
from someone they date.
Break the silence
One in eleven teens experiences physical harm from a
partner. To address this issue, the "Break the Silence:
Stop the Violence" program encourages parents to
engage in conversations with teens, aiming to promote
the cultivation of healthy and respectful relationships
before they enter the dating phase.
 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.
In a romantic relationship, discussing sex and sexual health openly is
crucial. Remember, you have the right to say "no" to anything you're
uncomfortable with.
Discussing sex can be nerve-wracking, but your partner likely appreciates
it when you bring it up. It's okay to feel nervous; it shows the importance
and excitement you attach to the topic. Many partners respect each other
more when this conversation is initiated.
Before getting intimate, talk about safer sex and boundaries. Discussing
these topics calmly beforehand helps ensure you're both on the same
page when the moment arises.
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.
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 have 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?
The key to preparing for decisions about sex is
comfortable communication about your needs and
boundaries. Respect your feelings and don't let anyone
pressure or guilt-trip you. Express love and care
through nonsexual activities like spending time
together, talking, and enjoying each other's company.
Physical closeness can be expressed through kissing,
hugging, and touching, but it's important to set limits
and stick to them to avoid unintended escalation
towards sex.
 Talking to your parent
Many kids fear discussing sex with their parents, but
actually, more than half end up talking about it and
benefitting from those conversations. Parents want to help
their kids make smart choices about sex, even if they might
feel nervous or worried. Some kids turn to other trusted
adults for guidance. Friends and the internet might not have
all the right answers. Peer pressure can influence decisions
about sex, but it's important to know not everyone is doing
it, despite what it may seem. Ultimately, understanding your
own feelings and respecting yourself is crucial in handling
peer pressure and making decisions about 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.
● Hang out with friends who also believe that it's OK to not be ready for sex yet.
● Go out with a group of friends rather than only your date. Introduce your friends
to your parents.
● Invite your friends to your home. Stick up for your friends if they are being
pressured to have sex.
● Think of what you would say in advance in case someone tries to pressure you.
● Always carry money for a telephone call or cab in case you feel uncomfortable.
● Be ready to call your mom, dad or a friend to pick you up if you need to leave a
date.
● Never feel obligated to "pay someone back" with sex in return for a date or gift.
Say "no" and mean "no" if that's how you feel.
 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
The Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that 9 out of 10
young people aged 15-24 observed peers using alcohol or
illegal drugs before sex. Additionally, 7 out of 10 stated that
condoms aren't consistently used during these situations.
About 29% admitted to engaging in more sexual activity under
the influence than they would sober. The impact of substances
like drugs or alcohol can impair judgment, potentially leading to
regrettable decisions regarding sex, including increased risk of
sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancies.
Moreover, some individuals exploit the effects of these
substances to coerce others into sexual activity.