Relationships & Communication

Communication is important in all relationships.  Family  Friends  Dating relationships During puberty our bodies react to sexual feelings: Face is hot & flushed, heart beats faster, hands get clammy. We can not prevent these feelings, but they should not be confused with LOVE..

Healthy Relationships require good communication. There are three types of communication:  Aggressive  Passive  Assertive

Aggressive Communication  Using “YOU” messages  Blame other person  Interrupting  Being Sarcastic  Yelling, refusing to talk  Always wanting your own way  Making fun of other persons feelings  Name calling

Passive Communication  Hoping the other person will guess your feelings  Denying feelings  Looking away  Mumbling, fidgeting  Criticizing yourself  Always giving in  Making excuses

Assertive Communication  Using “I “ messages  Actively listening  Being respectful  Making eye contact  Having empathy  Speaking clearly  Compromise that does not go against either ones values

 There are four parts to an “I” statement  1. Start with “I”  2. Tell what happened and how you feel  3. Tell how it involves the other person  4 Tell what you want to have happen “I” statements

For the following situations write an “I” statement…… 1.You have worked all week on a project. You have plans for the weekend. The project is due Monday. Your partner has not contributed anything but has promised to help. 2. Your friend, Pat, borrows your sneakers for practice. It rains during practice and Pat puts your muddy sneakers back on top of the shirt you need for soccer.

Situation 1  I am upset  because we had an agreement to work together on this project.  I have worked all week and you have not contributed.  I have plans for the weekend and I want you to finish the project for Monday.

Situation 2  I…….

LISTENING  The other side of communication…..

Listening Skills Are you a good listener? Do you: Give your full attention to the person speaking? Do you: Give your full attention to the person speaking? Indicate interest by leaning toward the speaker. Indicate interest by leaning toward the speaker. Nodding Nodding Making eye contact Making eye contact Recap: As I understand it, you were saying.. Recap: As I understand it, you were saying.. Using positive body language Using positive body language Do not look away or have side conversations Do not look away or have side conversations

MANAGING CONFLICT  Conflict is a strong disagreement between two people.  Two factors affect the way conflict is handled:  GOAL: Is it more important to win?  RELATIONSHIP: Is the relationship more important?  Once you decide what is best for you communicate clearly.

Conflict Resolution  T ake time away –get away from the situation situation A llow the other person to talk A llow the other person to talk uninterrupted uninterrupted L et the other person ask questions L et the other person ask questions isten to what they have to say isten to what they have to say K eep talking until you reach a K eep talking until you reach a compromise you both agree upon compromise you both agree upon

Managing Conflict  An important part of good mental & emotional health  Recognize hot buttons-words or actions that immediately make you angry  Talk without blaming the other person  Be flexible and open-minded  Try to change your style of dealing with conflict if it isn’t working.

Take this time to :  Talk to your partner about Part three of the Senior Health Project.  Follow directions  Reproductive System Health Care  Due Date moved back to Thursday, 12/4  Create a doctor’s office pamphlet on “ Reproductive Health Care Practices for Teens and Young Adults”  The pamphlet should be illustrated, aesthetically pleasing, and include the following items: (***Microsoft Publisher makes GREAT pamphlets***) 6 panels  Identification and explanation of 3 essential reproductive health practices (Regular Check-Ups, Pap Smears, Physical Examinations, etc.)  What each of the reproductive health practices entails and why they are important  What medical precautions should be addressed before beginning sexual activity  What medical precautions should be taken after becoming sexually active  Frequency of reproductive health examinations  Consequences for poor reproductive health practices