1. The Dating Relationship DO NOW---- In your opinion, what is the purpose of dating? To get to know someone? To have fun? To begin to think about what kind of person you would like to be in a lifelong commitment/marry?

2. Healthy Relationship Characteristics – Happiness – Trust – Love – Affection – Equality – Mutual Respect – Friendship – Laughter – Common interests – Support – Fair arguments – Acceptance – Comfort – Good communication – Kindness – Strong self- esteem – Humor – Fun – You can be yourself! – No fear of each other – Honesty – Independence

4. What is Grief??  Grief is a normal and natural internal reaction to a loss of any kind.  Grief is conflicting feelings caused by the end of, or change, in a familiar pattern of behavior.

5.  Think back to an event that represented a loss to you.  A broken relationship.  Not getting into the college you want.  Loss of a job.  Loss of a home, moving, a best friend moving away.  Divorce of parents.  A loss in a major sporting event.  Injury or terminal illness.  Death of a person or pet. Visualize this loss – How did you feel? How did your life change because of this loss? How were you treated by others during this time?

6. The Stages of Loss  People who suffer a major loss may go through a special five stage process that enables them to deal with the loss.  Sometimes people get stuck in one of the first four stages and their lives can be painful until they move to the last stage.  YouTube - Giraffe: Stages of Loss - YouTube - Giraffe: Stages of Loss -

7. Stage 1 - Denial  Initial reaction to any loss.  “I can’t believe” the loss has occurred.  This stage may last just a few moments or longer.

8. Stage 2 - Anger  Anger or “why me?” stage.  Person maybe be furious, critical, demanding, or uncooperative  Blames doctors, nurses, loved ones, etc.

9. Stage 3 - Bargaining  As the reality sets in, the anger begins to subside and is replaced by bargaining.  The person may pray or promise to change if only the lost person is returned even for a while.

10. Stage 4 – Depression/Sense of Loss  This stage is often marked by silence and withdrawal.  Earlier feelings of disbelief, isolation, anger, and rage are replaced with a deep sense of quiet sadness.

11. Stage 5 - Acceptance  While the depression stage may leave a person feeling helpless, this last stage can involve a sense of power.  The person can now face reality in constructive ways and make significant and meaningful gestures surrounding the idea of the loss.

12. Moving Through Grief  Check in with yourself.  Take time – we all grieve differently.  Express your feelings – crying is NORMAL!  Share your grief (support group, professional help)  Be prepared – feelings may come up at an unexpected time.  Take care of yourself physically.  Look for faith

13. Helpful things to say to someone who is grieving…  I am sorry about your loss  I am here for you  I can't imagine what this is like for you  Take all the time you need  How are you doing with all of this?  I'll call you tomorrow (but only if you will)  I don't know why this happened; it isn’t fair  I don't know what to say  I wish I had the right words, just know that I care  I don't know how you feel, but I am here for you  You are in my thoughts and prayers