Chapter 6 Communication Healthy Relationships

Effective Communication Communication is the process of sharing information, thoughts, or feelings. 4 skills: “I” Messages: An “I” message is a statement that expresses your feelings, but does not blame or judge the other person. Ex: you can say to a friend, “I am upset that we didn’t talk last night.”

Communication Skills Cont. Active Listening: is focusing your full attention on what the other person is saying and letting that person know you understand and care. Ex: Show your interest by looking at the person. Then, encourage the speaker to begin speaking.

Assertiveness . When you are assertive, you are able to stand up for yourself.

Body Language Definition: includes posture, gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. Ex: Most Americans expect you to make eye contact, or meet their gaze, when you talk with them. But in some cultures, making eye contact in some situations is a sign of disrespect.

3 THINGS THAT PEOPLE LOOK FOR IN FRIENDS… honest reactions encouragement during bad times understanding when they make mistakes

QUALITIES LOYALITY: “BEING TRUE AT ALL TIMES..” Ex: If we’re loyal, we won’t tear a friend down behind her back or share her personal story without her permission. It’s easy to gossip or pass judgment; it’s much harder to keep silent HONESTY: “TRUTHFUL, NO MATTER THE COST.” EMPATHY: is the capacity to recognize emotions that are being experienced by another sentient or fictional being. RELIABILITY: Able to be trusted, predictable and dependable “True friendship cannot be built on false images. We must be true to ourselves”

Problems 1. Envy 2. Jealous 3. Cruelty 4. Manipulation

Support Be Available Listen to them Don’t Judge Stay in touch

Things you can learn while Dating 1. His or Her Personality 2. Interests and hobbies 3. Skills and abilities 4. Values and Beliefs

Dating Violence Define: It is a pattern of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse that occurs in a dating relationship. One partner tries to gain control over the other… Cycle Of Violence: (Repeats over) a tension-building stage a violent episode a calm or “honeymoon” stage Complete activity( Groups of two)

Examples of Stages

Warning Signs Your date is jealous when you talk to others. You date makes all the decisions. Your date has a history of bad relationships You feel isolated from your friends and family.. You feel less self-confident DVD: Abstinence…

Definitions 2. Communicating your limits Emotional Intimacy: The openness, sharing, affection, and trust that can develop in a close relationship. Two Skills: 1. Communication (I messages) 2. Same Interests Abstinence: The act of refraining from, or not having, sex. Skills Include: 1. Setting clear limits 2. Communicating your limits 3. Avoiding high-pressure situations 4. Asserting yourself

Violence Is the threat of or actual force against oneself or another person. Violence often results in injury or death. Hazing: Is requiring a person to do degrading , risky, or illegal acts in order to join a group.

Stopping the Violence!! Hazing Bullying Prevention can be established with strict school policies and enforcement from school teachers and Administrators. Don’t make jokes at others expense or single out a person for exclusion. Don’t reward a bully with laughter or other positive attention. Speak up. Silence is seen as approval. Don’t believe rumors and don’t spread rumors.

6 rules for mediating a conflict 1.Stay calm 2. Choose the time and place carefully for the confrontation. 3. Don’t use put downs. 4. Allow each person to state his or her view of the problem. 5. Identify solutions 6. Conclude with a resolution