Warm-up What are 5 positive characteristics that you look for in someone you want to date?What are 5 positive characteristics that you look for in someone you want to date?

Responsible Relationships

Reasons for Dating One way for teens to get to know each otherOne way for teens to get to know each other Want to develop friendshipsWant to develop friendships Find companionship and supportFind companionship and support Explore the characteristics they would like in a future spouseExplore the characteristics they would like in a future spouse

Benefits of Dating Find out what different types of people are likeFind out what different types of people are like Find out to whom you relate most easilyFind out to whom you relate most easily Learn how to resolve disagreements and communicate more effectivelyLearn how to resolve disagreements and communicate more effectively Dating can provide emotional support during a challenging period of your lifeDating can provide emotional support during a challenging period of your life

Possible Problems of Dating Sexual activity –Sexual activity – any activity that any activity that includes intentional includes intentional sexual contact for sexual contact for the purpose of the purpose of sexual arousal sexual arousal

Developing Healthy Relationships Healthy relationshipsHealthy relationships develop gradually develop gradually –Initial attraction Two people are attracted to each other and want to get to know each other betterTwo people are attracted to each other and want to get to know each other better –Friendship As the two people get to know each other better, they find they have some things in commonAs the two people get to know each other better, they find they have some things in common

- Close friendship The two people get to know each other’s values and feelings and enjoy doing things together (“dating”) - Deep friendship The two people confide in, trust, and support each other –Lifelong love Two people feel they can commit to each other for life. This relationship may lead to marriage

Finding the Right Person

Looking for the Right Person Look for a friend orLook for a friend or dating partner who dating partner who –Is unselfish –Treats others well –Is tolerant and respectful –Has similar values –Is fun to be with –Respects himself / herself Date someone youDate someone you enjoy being around enjoy being around

Being the Right Person Becoming a good friend or dating partner is importantBecoming a good friend or dating partner is important –A person of integrity and character and character –Others respect HonestHonest TrustworthyTrustworthy GenerousGenerous Not possessiveNot possessive

Avoiding the Wrong Person Do not date a person whoDo not date a person who –Hurts you physically or emotionally –Doesn’t respect your morals and values –Makes you feel badly about yourself –Is extremely jealous

Appropriate Dating Behavior

Dating in Groups People often begin a relationship dating in groupsPeople often begin a relationship dating in groups –Movies, dances, or sporting events with a group of friends It allows you to get toIt allows you to get to know the other person know the other person without the pressure without the pressure of being alone of being alone

Acting Appropriately Treat the otherTreat the other person the way person the way you want to be you want to be treated treated Be courteousBe courteous and polite and polite

Following the Rules Find out and followFind out and follow the rules our parents and your date’s parents have for your dating.

Ending Relationships Most dating relationships that begin during adolescence eventually end.Most dating relationships that begin during adolescence eventually end. The rejectedThe rejected person may be person may be hurt and angry hurt and angry

–Remember that you will feel better eventually feel better eventually –Stay in touch with your friends your friends –Do the things you enjoy most enjoy most When you are recovering When you are recovering