I WANT HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
We have relationships with many people. We have relationships with our parents, siblings, extended family members, and even our friends at home and at school. Having relationships with other people is important, because these connections with other people can help us to learn new things and make us feel good about ourselves.
Below are some resources for managing and maintaining healthy relationships of different kinds:
FRIENDS
Good and healthy friendships can be complex because they consist of many different characteristics:
(1) Having common interests, likes, or hobbies
(2) Feeling comfortable with sharing private thoughts, feelings, or stories
(3) Understanding each other
(4) Conflict resolution o Ex: Being able to solve arguments and problems without hurting the relationship
(5) Being affectionate or caring
(6) Equality in the relationship
Ex: A shared friendship where all members are treated the same; everyone is treated fairly
(7) Being loyal and trustworthy
Ex: Keeping your word in the relationship; actually doing what you say you will
When learning about peer relationships it is important to keep three questions in mind. These questions are:
(1) What characteristics can you bring to a peer relationship?
(2) What characteristics are you looking for in a friend?
(3) What characteristics are you NOT looking for in a friend?
Good friendships are also two-way. This means that it takes two people to form a positive relationship that has all of the above characteristics that we just spoke about. Both people in the relationship must make an effort to make sure that the friendship lasts.
ACQUAINTANCES
An acquaintance is someone you know casually, with limited interaction and shared experiences. While this will be different for everyone, acquaintances may include:
Peers
Friends of friends
Neighbors
Mailman
Receptionist or security guard at places you go often
With acquaintances, it is likely you will engage in small talk. Small talk is polite conversation about unimportant or uncontroversial matters, especially as engaged in on social occasions.
AUTHORITY FIGURES
An authority figure can be anyone who commands or inspires obedience from someone else, whether or not the authority figure has any actual power over that person. Examples of authority figures may include:
Teachers
Bosses
Coaches
Police officers
Doctors
Mentor
Counselor
Babysitter
How can we build and maintain relationships with authority figures in our life?
Being polite and respectful
Meeting expectations
E.g. follow the rules and / or their directions
Regular communication
Ask them questions about their interests and get to know them on a personal level
Having a positive attitude
Reaching out when you need help
Attending office hours, scheduling times to meet during studies or after school
Effective conflict resolution in case a situation arises
Setting and maintaining clear boundaries
Just because someone is in a traditional position of authority, doesn't always mean they will make good or trustworthy decisions. It is important to know your trusted adults and stick to your own boundaries.
HEALTHY VS. UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP HEALTHY?
Everyone deserves to be in a safe and healthy relationship. Do you know if your relationship is healthy?
Take the following quiz to learn more.
Take the following quiz to learn more.
FURTHER SUPPORT
Love is respect advocates are available to support 24/7
They offer confidential support for teens, young adults, and their loved ones seeking help, resources, or information related to healthy relationships and dating abuse in the US. They're available by text (“LOVEIS” to 22522), call (866.331.9474), or live chat online.