Unit 3: Life skills required to adapt to change as part of healthy lifestyle choices: initiate, build and sustain positive relationships and importance of communication pg 19-25

3.1. Initiate, build and sustain positive relationships and importance of communication KEYWORDS: Sustain : keep going, maintain, continue Initiate : start, begin Empathy : understand another person’s feelings

3.1. Initiate, build and sustain positive relationships and importance of communication Important to know how to keep relationships positive Communication is about understanding others and communicating feelings, beliefs and attitudes These are VITAL SKILLS as you meet new people when you leave school

3.1. … How to make friends, build relationships and keep your friends Initiate relationships Initiate talking to people Remember names of people Be willing to share a little of yourself (not ALL the time) Humour (avoid dirty jokes) Keep up to date with latest news/topics people are discussing

3.1. … How to make friends, build relationships and keep your friends….. 2. Build and sustain relationships: communicate that you understand others by showing empathy Empathy – you can relate to what they are saying, feeling, and go through Developing positive relationships is based on being able to understand others Core of a relationship is to show you understand – you do this by listening, hearing and trying to feel what it is like to be the other person

Showing empathy (useful ways) I know what you mean …. I feel for you ….. I am with you in this …. Almost the same thing happened to me, so I understand …. No matter what, I am here for you ….

3.1. … How to make friends, build relationships and keep your friends….. 3. Build and sustain relationships: show that you understand others by applying listening skills Hear what is being said. Be an active listener. How? Let the speaker finish before you talk. Reword and repeat what was said and give a response Show you are interested by asking questions. Use your body language to show that you are listening. How? Avoid gossiping/sharing information that was shared in confidence. Trust and Understanding go together.

3.1. … How to make friends, build relationships and keep your friends….. 4. Build and sustain relationships: communicate your feelings, beliefs and attitudes Express your feelings, beliefs and attitudes, BUT avoid imposing/forcing them on others. When you express your feelings, be specific. How?

3.2. Factors that influence effective communication 1. Personality ( see pg 23). 2. Attitudes and values 3. Acceptance of responsibilities 4. Appropriate expression of views and feelings 5. Respect the feelings of others

To show that you respect the feelings of others: Listen carefully, pay attention and look interested and engaged Use positive body language and don’t look bored Never interrupt Respond with statements such as: I agree with what you are saying; I understand how you feel Avoid judging people without first listening to them Avoid laughing at or teasing people when they share their feelings with you