Public Health Sexual Health Program 28 Richmond street

Friendships What does it mean to be a friend?

FRIENDSHIP is ABOUT….. Dignity Honesty Kindness Caring Listening Acceptance Tolerance Helping Loyalty Sharing Dependability Fun Understandin g Trust

FRIENDSHIP is NOT about …. Being Bossy Threats Put Downs Violence Rejection Ignoring Rumors Guilt

Respect is: 1. believing in and valuing yourself and other people 1. believing in and valuing yourself and other people 2. appreciating a person for who they are 2. appreciating a person for who they are 3. treating others as you would want to be treated 3. treating others as you would want to be treated 4. setting and honoring boundaries 4. setting and honoring boundaries

Boundaries Boundaries are the limits that we draw with people. They describe what we are comfortable and uncomfortable with as well as what is acceptable and unacceptable to us.

Setting Your Boundaries All individuals have a right to decide how they expect to be treated by others All individuals have a right to decide who can touch them, kiss them or give them a hug

Respecting Boundaries Respect private space around people’s bodies Respect private space around people’s personal things Remember people’s right to privacy when they are changing, showering, etc. Private areas are private Private thoughts are private

Breaking Boundaries Grabbing, pulling, or hitting someone Touching someone when they have asked you not to Touching someone’s private areas Asking someone personal questions when you do not know them well Making fun of someone Taking someone’s personal things without permission

How Do You Feel When Someone Respects vs. Breaks Boundaries?? You feel happy with how you are being treated You are comfortable with the activities you are taking part in You feel relaxed You are able to make your own choices You are hurt emotionally or physically You feel scared or nervous You feel pressured when making choices

Trusting your Intuition Your body will provide signals when others have crossed your boundaries Tingling, an unsettled stomach, a general sense of discomfort, nervousness Follow your spidey senses

Boundary exercise

Healthy Relationships You know, like, and respect each other You trust each other You’re there for one another You feel good when you’re together you’re together You can talk about anything about anything You encourage each other

Unhealthy Relationships Your friend constantly criticizes you and puts you down Your friend is jealous and controlling You never know where you stand You feel pressured to do things you don’t want to do Pressure to take sides

Time for a Test: Healthy or Unhealthy HealthyUnhealthyUnhealthyUnhealthyHealthyUnhealthy Accept each other as you are Moody, tired Always promise to change Fight often but cannot stand to be apart Each partner can be alone Clingy, jealous, always want to be with the other person

S.H.A.R.E. Qualities of Healthy Relationships SafetyHonestyAcceptanceRespectEnjoyment Empowerment

Creating Healthy Relationships: A How to Guide Know yourself Love yourself first Take time to get to know your friend Express your feelings openly and truthfully Maintain the freedom to be yourself Be respectful Be willing to trust and be trustworthy Negotiate with each other on areas of disagreement

Bottom Line In a healthy relationship you feel good about yourself.

Tips for feeling good about you… Be AWARE of the Media HAVE FUN- sports/teams/hobbies/music/read/friends Choose healthy foods to eat Exercise every day Feel good about how you look Happy people come in all shapes and sizes RESPECT yourself

Be True to You!! Eat well Exercise Get lots of sleep Surround yourself with people who make YOU feel good about yourself! Make your own decisions for yourself

Friendship Game

Questions