1. Relationships and Dating
Unit II – Chapter Five
Child Development

2. Objectives Distinguish among different kinds of relationships
Analyze factors that influence relationships
Describe ways to build and maintain strong relationships
Identify characteristics of unhealthy relationships
Examine the reasons and methods of ending a relationship
Explain reasons for dating different people before getting married
Provide guidelines for responsible dating relationships
Objectives

3. Kinds of Relationships
A relationship is the connection you have with another person
Relationships vary in three basic ways:
Their degree of closeness
Their purpose
Their form
Relationships can also be described as close or casual
Kinds of Relationships

4. Influences on Relationships
Roles and Expectations
An expectation is a want or need that a person hopes will be met in the relationship
Example: children expect their parents to take care of them and parents expect children to follow the rules and listen
Differences in expectations can sometimes lead to conflict – create an example in your notes
Influences on Relationships

5. Influences on Relationships
Self-Esteem
High self-esteem gives you the confidence to meet new people and have new experiences
High self-esteem also helps you steer clear of relationships that may harm you
When people do not feel accepted, their self- esteem is likely to be low
Sometimes people in this situation act like they do not care what others think of them
EVERYONE has personal strengths that deserve to be recognized and celebrated
Make it a habit to give sincere compliments throughout the day
Influences on Relationships

6. Qualities in a Strong Relationship
Understanding
Tolerance
Dependability
Communicate
Honesty
Acceptance
Patience
Flexibility
Respect
Empathy
Commitment
Humor
Qualities in a Strong Relationship

7. Which Quality is Most Important?

8. Maintaining a Relationship
Pay attention – keep in touch
Participate – participate in activities with the important people in your life
Plan Ahead – keep a planner to avoid conflicts
Enjoy Meals Together – eat meals as a family as often as possible
Maintaining a Relationship

9. Harmful Relationships
If he truly cared for me, he would never threaten, pressure or ask me to do something that is against my values.
How do I know if I am in an unhealthy relationship?
Harmful Relationships

10. Unhealthy Relationships
Physical Abuse
Controlling Behavior
Illegal Activity
Dishonesty
Isolation
Bullying
Irresponsible Behavior
Unhealthy Relationships

11. Unhealthy Relationships
If you feel isolated, you feel separated and cut off from everyone but one person
Inadequate means failing to meet an expectation. If you feel you are not good enough for someone, it is time to move on
A person who feels dependent relies too much on someone else for their own happiness. It is far better to be with someone who encourages you to act independently
People who are vulnerable are especially open to physical or emotional harm or are easily persuaded by pressure.
Unhealthy Relationships

12. Ending a Relationship Reasons for ending a relationship include:
It may be unhealthy
Have outgrown the relationship
Nothing left in common
Not well-matched
Someone moves
Ending a Relationship

13. Ending a Relationship Ending a relationship is never easy
It is best to make a clean-cut, do not drag the process out, that is unhealthy for all involved
If you feel you need to explain the reasoning, try to avoid making “you” statements
Example: Instead of saying, “You’re boring,” try, “I don’t think we have much in common.”
Respect the person you are ending the relationship with – you are helping to create their self-concept
Ending a Relationship

14. Responsible Dating Starting a Relationship
Going out with different people
Improves interpersonal skills
Practices give and take
Multiple experiences help you understand yourself better as a person
Going out with a variety of people will help you discover the characteristics you will want in a permanent partner
Responsible Dating

15. Responsible Dating Going out as a group
Avoid pressure that comes with going out as a couple
Group dating makes it easier to get comfortable
Responsible Dating

16. Responsible Dating Going out as a couple
Practice relating to a person one-on-one
Does not mean you have a serious relationship
Many teens go on casual dates with multiple people
May decide to date exclusively
Being a couple helps people get to know each other well
Creates a sense of security
Responsible Dating

17. Responsible Dating Family Rules
Some parents do not allow their children to date on person exclusively
Concerns include:
Limits opportunities to meet new people
Might lose sight of long-term goals, like education
Parents often have rules about what you can do and where you can go on a date
Drug and alcohol abuse
Unsafe driving
Sexual pressures
Responsible Dating

18. Even if you do not agree with their dating rules, remember that their purpose is to protect you

19. Responsible Relationships
Dating can be fun, but it has a serious side
You need to establish boundaries, or limits in a new relationship
Plan ahead so you are prepared to handle situations that may arise
Responsible Relationships

20. Personal Responsibility
Healthy dating relationships:
Practice responsibility and respect for themselves and their partners
They stay true to each other’s rules and values
They follow personal and family values
Their mutual goal is to enjoy each other’s company
Communicate
Personal Responsibility

21. Going out on the date Talk about where you will go
How will you get there and back?
What are you going to do?
Who will pay?
When will you be back home?
If you agree on the details beforehand, there will not be any uncertainties.
It also sets expectations for the date, which fit within your boundaries
Going out on the date

22. Three Components of a Relationship
Intimacy – the first component; being close to someone and sharing personal things with them
Passion – the second component; strong emotional feelings that move you to express them physically, verbally, etc.
Commitment – the third component; promising to be true and faithful to that person
Three Components of a Relationship

23. Sexual Responsibility
Media often sends the message that sexual activity is an expected part of any dating relationship
THIS IS NOT TRUE
Although it seems a private matter, it often does not stay that way
Reputations suffer, self-esteem can be damaged and you may lose your self-respect
Sexual Responsibility