What Does Love Mean? “ Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.” “Love is a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” “When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouths.” Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day. You really shouldn't say "I LOVE YOU” unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.

Healthy Relationships

Happiness Trust Love Affection Equality Mutual respect Friendship Laughter Common interests Honesty Support Fair fights Acceptance Comfort Kindness Strong self-esteem Humor / fun Can be yourself Still are independent people Communicate well

Both Partners in a Healthy Relationship are: Treated with kindness and respect Honest with each other Like to spend time together Retrieved from:

Both Partners in a Healthy Relationship: 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 feelings Retrieved from:

Some Relationships Will End

Why Might You End a Friendship? Why Might You End a Romantic Relationship?

Have You Ever Heard These Lines?

A difficult but (at times necessary) end to a relationship must be handled with maturity and respect.

Breaking Up With Respect Communicate about the break up in person. It may be difficult and uncomfortable but respect each other enough to share your feelings in person.

Breaking Up With Respect Honesty is essential - don’t offer excuses or promises that you have no intention of keeping.

Breaking Up With Respect Immediate separation is important. Don’t prolong the inevitable. Give each other needed space. (May require a new circle of friends, new route to class or school, or a change in social media habits).

Breaking Up With Respect Speak with respect to the person and about the person in future conversations. Avoid gossip and sharing of hurtful information about others.

Unhealthy Relationships

No trust No respect Jealousy Abuse – emotional, physical, sexual Bad / no communication Low self-esteem Power issues Alienation of friends, family Unfair fights Other person tries to change you Lies Manipulation Lack of understanding No fun Fearful Controlling

Red Flag Relationship Alert Being physically hurt Feeling afraid of your partner Spending time with only one person while feeling isolated from others Feeling controlled Being threatened (verbally, emotionally, physically)

Red Flag Relationship Alert A nervous or sick feeling around your partner Partner is easily angered Fear to make decisions without your partner Feeling intimidated by your partner Not feeling respected Partner has a constant need to know where you are and with whom you are spending time

School Resources for Coping with Unhealthy Relationships Teachers Coaches Counselors Nurses Administrators School Resource Officers

Ending An Unhealthy Relationship If you feel physically unsafe, breakup by phone or , in a public place, or involve a trusted adult. Be clear that you are ending the relationship. Make sure family members and friends are aware that you are ending the relationship.

Ending an Unhealthy Relationship Trust your decision and your instincts to end the relationship and seek help from supportive family and friends when you question your decision Ask for help, if needed – school counselor – family – friend – local police

Important Resources for Help – emergency situations National Teen Dating Violence Hotline –

Create Your Contact List: Include #, Availability, When to Use Each Contact Local Police # Friend/Family # for Emergency Friend/Family # for Support Local # for Professional Counseling Services if Needed Faith Leader Health Department