Romantic Relationships
Whether they last two weeks, two months, two years, or a lifetime -- all are opportunities to experience love on its many different levels. We learn both how to love and how to be loved in return. Romance provides us with a chance to discover our own selves as we share with someone new. We learn the things we love about ourselves, the things we'd like to change, and the qualities and values we look for in a partner. Loving relationships teach us self-respect as well as respect for others. Love is one of the most fulfilling things we can have in our lives. If romance hasn't found you yet, don't worry — there's plenty of time. And the right person is worth the wait.~ Teens Health https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/love.html
Do's and Don'ts of Romantic Relationships
- Do look for someone you feel comfortable with
- Don’t forget your friends
- Do be your own person
- Don’t hide from problems
- Do know the difference between good and bad conflict
- Do know the signs of an abusive relationship
Red Flags in a Relationship
- Lack of communication. These individuals find it difficult to talk about issues or express how they feel.
- Irresponsible, immature, and unpredictable. Some people have trouble mastering basic life skills—taking care of themselves, managing their finances and personal space, holding onto a job, and making plans for their life and future.
- Lack of trust. When a person has difficulty being honest with himself or herself, it may be hard for them to be honest with you.
- Significant family and friends don’t like your partner. If there is something “off" about this person that seems obvious to those who know you so well, you may need to listen to what they’re telling you.
- Feeling insecure in the relationship. You may often feel that you don’t know where you stand in a relationship.
- Non-resolution of past relationships. These include not just intimate relationships but those with family members and friends. If a person is unable to evaluate why past relationships haven’t worked out, or consistently blames the other party for all of the problems, you can bet with a great deal of confidence that the same thing could happen with your relationship.
- Abusive behavior. Finally, and of course, any form of abuse, from the seemingly mild to the overtly obvious—verbal, emotional, psychological, and certainly physical—is not just a red flag but a huge banner telling you to get out immediately and never look back.