PEOPLE WANT DIFFERENT THINGS FROM RELATIONSHIPS - SOME WANT A CASUAL RELATIONSHIP, SOME WANT ROMANCE, SOME WANT SEX AND OTHERS WANT SOMEONE TO BE CLOSE TO.

WE LIVE IN A BUSY WORLD AND THERE IS A LOT OF PRESSURE TO MAKE UP OUR MINDS QUICKLY – BUT JUST REMEMBER IT IS OK TO TAKE TIME.

IT IS OK TO TAKE TIME AND ASK YOURSELF...

· What qualities do I want in a person? What don’t I like?

A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP IS WHEN:

You both have fun together, You both feel able to be yourself, You can have different opinions and interests, You can listen to each other, You can compromise, Say sorry and talk through arguments, You don't have to spend all your spare time together; You can spend time alone and with your family and friends.

A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP IS BASED ON RESPECT.

Someone respects you when they accept that you have a right to do and say what you want.

IF SOMEONE IS TREATING YOU WITH RESPECT YOU FEEL:

· Free to say no to things that you don’t want to do

· Safe and never scared

· Free to see other friends and family when you want

· Free to express your opinions and  beliefs

· Free to change your mind

· Good about yourself

· Supported to make your own decisions

· Free to end relationship if you want

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AND SEX 

Having a good relationship doesn’t mean you have to have sex. But whatever you do, whether it’s kissing, touching, or having sex it should be something that you both want to do.

Sex is meant to be:

·         Something you decide to do when you are ready

·         Something that make you both feel good

·         Something you can interrupt and stop

·         Safe ( because you are both prepared with condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy)

Sex is not meant to be:

·         The only way to prove that you love someone

·         Something you feel pressured or forced into

·         Something you do because “everyone else is doing it”

·         Something that makes you feel used.

Adapted from “Relationships” (Domestic Violence and Resource centre 2000)

STAYING SAFE

Domestic and dating violence is a very serious and very scary issue. Whether you are in an abusive relationship, just got out of one or are worried about a friend or family member, learning how to stay safe is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself or a loved one from harm.

HERE ARE SOME LINKS TO OTHER USEFUL SITES: