1. Reproductive Health Building Responsible Relationships Chapter 19: pages 456-468
Objectives:
State why teen relationships are important
List positive characteristics to look for in a dating partner
Describe appropriate dating behavior
State two things you can do to maintain a healthy relationship with your partner
Summarize the benefits of abstinence

2. Motivation
List your standards or qualities you look for in finding the right person.
What types of behavior would a date have to exhibit before you decided not to go on a second date with someone?
State three risk factors for teen sexual activity. What can teens do to avoid these factors?

3. Do Now
Write one page describing what you think an ideal date would be like. Discuss details such as where you would go and what you would do in your community.

4. Discussion Questions Define dating.
Why are teen relationships important?
Why do teens date?
What is a benefit of dating?
What are possible problems of dating?
List five Do’s and Don’ts of dating.

5. Building Responsible Relationships
Healthy relationships develop gradually and can exist on many levels of closeness.
Initial attraction
Friendship
Close friendship
Two people get to know each other’s values and feelings and enjoy doing things together. This is considered “dating”.
Deep friendship
The two people confide in, trust, and support each other. This is considered “going steady”.
Lifelong love
Two people feel they can commit to each other for life. This relationship may lead to marriage.
Think of a personal relationship that is current or past. What path did the relationship follow?

6. Teen Relationships Are Important
Forming own identity
Reasons for dating
Get to know each other/develop friendships
Find companionship and support
Explore future characteristics
Benefits of dating
Find out differences in people/to whom you relate most easily
Resolve disagreements and communicate more effectively
Enrich your life by providing support during challenging times
Possible problems of dating
Engage in risky behaviors, such as sexual activity
Developing healthy relationships
Treat people with respect/be treated with respect

7. Finding the Right Person
Looking for the right person (quality of the person’s character)
Is unselfish
Treats others well
Is tolerant and respectful
Has similar morals and values
Is fun to be with
Respects himself or herself
Avoiding the wrong person
If the person hurts you emotionally and physically, do not date that person. A relationship cannot grow and survive without mutual respect. Avoid people who are jealous, possessive, manipulative, arrogant, and disloyal.
Being the right person
Be a good friend or dating partner (a person of integrity and character).

8. Appropriate Dating Behavior
Dating in groups
Reduces pressure to engage in risky behaviors
Acting appropriately
Treat others the way you want to be treated
Following the rules
Respect parental boundaries
Ending relationships
Know when and how to breakup

9. Benefits of Abstinence The conscious decision not to participate in sexual activity and the skills to support that decision.
Teens have enough to juggle in their lives (good relationships, good health, self-respect, and future goals) without having to deal with the stress of being sexually active.
Staying true to your personal values
Avoiding risk/worry of becoming pregnant or being infected with a sexually transmitted disease
Less complicated relationships
Better reputation among peers
Allowing time to develop the maturity need to make important decisions
What other factors might influence teens to remain sexually abstinent?

10. Closure
Describe the type of person you would like to have as a friend and the type of person you would like to have as a dating partner. Are the two types similar?
Make a list of steps you can take to maintain healthy dating relationships.

11. Extended Practice
Watch two different television programs that portray teens. Write a paragraph for each program explaining whether the teens in these programs are making responsible decisions regarding relationships and possible sexual activity.