RELATIONSHIPS Evaluating and Identifying Healthy Relationships

Types of Relationships: Parents Siblings Peers Romantic Relationships Work Relationships

Parents Care for infants and create first bonds through physical, emotional, and social needs. Children need to feel secure and loved. During adolescence the weight of responsibility begins to shift away from parent to child. Families who build positive relationships tend to produce future families who also build positive relationships.

Siblings Siblings are brothers and sisters Sometimes jealousies emerge as siblings compete with one another. Building positive relationships with siblings prepares children to build positive relationships with their peers.

Peers Peers are important during teen years to help form a support system. You can choose who your friends are…can be positive or negative. You have to expect that they are not perfect or fit an exact mold. Not everyone will be your friend but acquaintances are still important for networking.

Romantic Relationships Romantic relationships are positive because caring for someone and knowing he or she cares for you adds meaning to life. Partners encourage the other half to develop their full potential. To keep marriage relationships positive, couples need to work to keep lines of communication open. The relationship needs to work like a two way street…give and pull.

Work Relationships This type of relationship is less intimate but can be enjoyable by having common desires in the work force. Positivity is based on respect for the feelings of others. Always accept your fair share of the responsibilities. You also cannot do without your coworkers. It is a team effort Cooperation is key

What Relationships Provide Emotional needs Social satisfactions Basic needs like shelter and food Economic well-being

Qualities for Positive Relationships Mutual Resect – Each person regards the other with honor and esteem – Respect each other’s right to differ Trust – Having confidence in another – You must also be trustworthy Openness – Atmosphere in which people feel free to share their thoughts and feelings Reliability – If you say you will do something, people must be able to count on you to do it

EVALUATING How does your relationship affect your life? In school At work My physical health My emotional health My use of drugs or alcohol My family and friends My ability to function independently

In School How does this person encourage me? Have my grades improved or fallen? Have I missed school because of this person? Have I limited my extracurricular activities so I can spend time with this person?

At Work Have I ever missed work because of this person? Has this person ever come to my place of work to check up on me or embarrass me? Does this person give me any support in my career?

My Physical Health Have I had any physical injuries due to a fight with this individual? Have I gained or lost weight? Have I contracted any sexually transmitted diseases from this person? Have I become physically upset because of confrontation with this individual? Have I been coerced into having sex? Have I had any unplanned pregnancy from this relationship?

My Emotional Health Do I feel better or worse about myself since entering this relationship? Am I more stressed, anxious, depressed? Do I have trouble sleeping?

My Family and Friendships How do my family and friends feel about this person? How does this person feel about them? Have I grown apart from family and friends since forming this relationship? Does this person ever act jealous of my family/friends? Do I lie to my family and friends to cover up for this person? Do we spend time separately with others we know?

Ability to Function Independently Do I have control over my own money? Have I become dependent on this person for my living arrangements? Do I feel that I just couldn’t make it on my own without this person?

A Balancing Act Healthy relationships maintain a balance between the individuals involved in the relationship.

A Balancing Act A Balancing Act me you us

A Balancing Act If the relationship is all about ME, then I am focusing on getting my needs met and expect you to make my needs your priority as well—and your needs suffer. me you

A Balancing Act If the relationship is all about YOU, then I am focusing on getting your needs met at the expense of my own. you me

A Balancing Act If the relationship is about US, then we are both focused on the relationship that we lose our individuality. us

A Balancing Act In a healthy relationship, YOU, ME and US are in balance most of the time. However, sometimes YOU or ME may need more attention…and that’s ok. usmeyou

Healthy Relationships How healthy is your relationship? The next few slides contain questions that may help you determine the health of your relationships.

Healthy Relationships 1. Can you name 2-4 things about this person you really like? 2. Can your name 2-4 things about this person you really dislike? 3. Can you name 3 things this person is interested in besides you? 4. Can you name 3 activities you can be involved in without this person?

Healthy Relationships 5. Do you both have equal decision-making power in the relationship? 6. How do you handle conflicts? 7. Do you think this person’s relationships with family/friends are healthy? 8. Since forming this relationship, do you generally feel worse, better, or the same about yourself?

Healthy Relationships If you’re confused about your relationship and where it’s going and what it’s doing for you, please get help from the appropriate counseling services.