Welcome to our Question and Answer page – a space dedicated to exploring the unique dynamics of relationships and fostering a healthy and open dialogue. We believe that understanding and asking questions is an essential part of navigating relationships, and our primary focus is to create a safe and supportive environment for you to do just that.
Session 1:
Boundaries:
· Is high school a good time to set boundaries?
· When is a good time to set boundaries?
There is no specific time to set boundaries. You are older and interacting with people on a different level, so this is a great time to draw those lines for yourself, especially regarding physical contact, verbal interactions, and personal space. Boundaries are to help you feel safe and confident.
Relationships:
· Why do I need to know about relationships?
· How does trust influence a relationship?
· What are other examples of healthy relationships?
· What do you do if you are in an unhealthy relationship?
Relationships are something we navigate our whole life. Most of what we learn is through trial and error. By identifying healthy relationship qualities and developing our personal standards, we create essential skills and values for their future. For example, it can help them identify healthy behaviors in relationships and help them set and enforce boundaries. Learning about relationships can also help identify signs of an unhealthy relationship and how to avoid them.
Trust is a significant factor in relationships, especially during these high school years, because we are learning who we are. Trust can help us feel more comfortable, confident, and connected with others. For some, trust comes slowly; for others, trust is given upfront but can be damaged easily. Once trust is damaged, it can be challenging to rebuild.
The video mentioned many types of relationships, focusing on dating and friendships. Some teens may not be ready for dating, which is completely normal; platonic, nonsexual, or romantic relationships are just as meaningful. No matter your relationship type, it is essential to communicate effectively and respect each other's boundaries. Healthy relationships require effort, compromise, and care from both parties.
Being in an unhealthy relationship can be very harmful to a person's well-being and happiness. If you or someone you know is in a situation that seems unhealthy or unsafe, talk to someone you trust. It can be hard to deal with an unhealthy relationship alone. You may feel scared, confused, ashamed, or guilty. But you are not to blame for what is happening; you deserve support and help. You can reach out to a parent, a friend, a teacher, a counselor, or anyone else you feel comfortable with. Once you recognize that the relationship is unhealthy and you want to end it, or even if you are still in it, you should have a plan to protect yourself from any possible harm. A safety plan is a personalized and practical guide that can help you reduce the risk of violence or abuse.
Consent
What if I don’t consent?
Why is consent needed?
Why don't some people ask for consent?
Is consent valid even when in a delirious state?
Consent involves clear communication and empathy, which are vital skills for your overall development. It’s about ensuring that you have the tools to express your comfort levels and respect others’ boundaries and laying the groundwork for respectful interactions throughout your life. Consent is also not valid if you are impaired in any type of way, it should be freely given and can be revoked at any time.
Relationships/Boundaries
Why do good couples still break up if they work so good together?
How to cut a tie with someone who has a crush on you?
Could there be a good and bad relationship.
Should I feel comfortable in a relationship?
Are boundaries okay?
How do you balance a relationship and outside life.
How do I say no without hurting feelings?
It is important to know that relationships don’t have to end on a bad note, some people simply outgrow each other and choose to part ways. Setting boundaries in friendships as well as romantic relationships are very important. Boundaries allow the other person to know what you are comfortable with and what you are not. It is also important to still be yourself while in relationships, that means still hanging out with your friends and doing things that you love. This can help balance your relationship and other things in your life.
Unhealthy Relationships
Is it okay scream at my girlfriend
What would happen if your unhealthy relationship gets worse than before?
How do you know if it is time to walk away from a friend?
How should I end an unhealthy relationship?
Is physical violence an ok response to someone who pushes my boundaries?
Abuse can be verbal, physical, or emotional, none of them are okay to display in relationships. Some people don’t know the behaviors they are portraying are inappropriate behaviors, this is why communication is so important. If you are feeling unsafe in any relationship it may be time to end it. It is important to be clear and direct when ending unhealthy relationships and also let your friends and family know so they can be available and supportive of your decisions.
Other/Resources
How should you help a person who is depressed and suicidal?
So, if this were to happen to me, how would I safely handle the situation?
How do you go about communicating?
what STD's can be cured, or cleaned off of someone?
How can I help my friend who is going through a toxic relationship?
Communication is a skill that develops over time as you interact with other people in different types of relationships. We have provided a resource list that has information on how to help someone who may be depressed or suicidal, but as a reminder, the Suicide Hotline Number is 988. Lastly, when it comes to STDs, bacterial infections can typically be cured with an antibiotic, this includes Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis. Viral infections cannot be cured but there may be medications available to help with symptoms, these include Herpes, HIV, HPV, and Hepatitis B.