2. Keys To Great Relationships
Commitment
The level of commitment in a relationship is directly proportional to the level of fulfillment, stability, and security experienced.
Low commitment relationships are not only less fulfilling and stable but inhibit the ability to make high level commitments later on.

3. Ten Characteristics of a Good Relationship
Honesty and Trust – Partners are able to confide in each other openly, and are able to believe the best in the other person. Both people in the relationship are accountable to each other.

4. Ten Characteristics of a Good Relationship
Shared Responsibility– Couples have a mindset that seeks to meet the other person’s needs first. Relationships work best when both people have an “it’s not about me” mindset.

5. Ten Characteristics of a Good Relationship
Communication – Partners in healthy relationships say what they feel, need, and desire. The more, and more effectively one communicates, the more likely one will create good relationships.

6. Ten Characteristics of a Good Relationship
Staying Power – Couples in committed relationships keep their bond strong through tough times by proving that they will be there for each other. Stressors in life may bend a relationship but not break it.

7. Ten Characteristics of a Good Relationship
Security – Because a good relationship is strong enough to absorb conflict and anger, partners know they can express their feelings honestly. However, this needs to be done with respect.

8. Ten Characteristics of a Good Relationship
Laughter – Humor keeps things in perspective

9. Ten Characteristics of a Good Relationship
Support – Partners in good relationships continually offer each other encouragement, comfort, and acceptance. A good relationship improves you personally.

10. Ten Characteristics of a Good Relationship
Physical Affection – Desire for physical touch may fluctuate but people in loving, long-term relationships usually retain physical connection.

11. Ten Characteristics of a Good Relationship
Negotiating and Fair Fighting – See differences from the other’s point of view and work for solutions. Maintaining the relationship is more important than winning the argument. Couples speak the truth in love.

12. Ten Characteristics of a Good Relationship
Shared Economic Responsibility –
Make sure major money decisions are being made together. Both partners play a role in maintaining the household.

13. Communication Skills
Speaking Skills – When speaking it is important to make statements that are clear and precise. One should also recognize that pitch or loudness of voice also plays a large role in how you communicate.

14. Communication Skills
Listening Skills – Listening is an important skill as it allows the other person to understand what is being communicated
Body Language – It is important for non-verbal communication to be consistent with what one is saying to ensure the message intended is communicated.

15. Communication Skills
Refusal Skills – When one wants to say no, refusal skills provide an effective and direct way for the message to be communicated.

16. Effective Communication Strategies
- Listening attentively
- Listening between the lines
- Listening without judging
- Understanding what is being said before you respond
- Speaking clearly and assertively
- Understanding feelings of other person
Ineffective Communication Strategies
- Non-attentive listening
- Interrupting while someone is speaking
- Not getting the whole situation/story
- Sarcastic responses
- Slouching, pointing
- Emotional/overreacting
- Defensive behaviour

17. Types of Communication
1) Passive
Means giving in or backing down without standing up for your own or others rights and needs.
Passive people ‘go with the flow’ and may find themselves in situations they don’t want to be in.
May think they are making friends or avoiding conflict but they may be viewed as ‘push-overs’ or not worthy of respect.
Conflict may be delayed or escalated.

18. Types of Communication
2) Aggressive
Being aggressive means overly forceful, pushy, hostile, or manipulative
Aggressive approaches to conflict may include yelling, insults, physical force, intimidation, or other uses of force
Aggressive people need to be right or have things go their way
Sometimes they will get their way and/or be seen as powerful/popular. However, in the long term, people either stay away from aggressive people or fight back.
Conflict ends up damaging others and aggressor

19. Types of Communication
3) Assertive
Being assertive means standing up for your own position in a firm, but positive way.
Assertiveness states its position, acknowledges the position of the other individual (or group), and stands its ground.
People who are assertive can state their case directly and honestly. They mean what they say. They also deal properly with the consequences of their actions.
Using this form of communication can de-escalate conflict and lead to healthier relationships.
Assertiveness leaves the respect of all parties intact.

20. Assertive Communication
Being Assertive Means...
You express your feelings and your rights clearly.
You act in your own best interests but still consider the needs and rights of others.
You develop trust and equality in your relationships.
You ask for help when you need it.

21. Assertive Communication
1) Describe the situation and how it affects you. Give just the facts.
2) Say how you feel. For example: sad, happy, angry, afraid...
3) Say what you need. Describe the action you need to see, and a promise or commitment that it will

22. Assertive Communication Here's how it works:
Scene 1 Your friend has been drinking but insists he's okay to drive you home.

23. Assertive Communication Here's how it works:
Scene 1 Your friend has been drinking but insists he's okay to drive you home. You might say: I know how much you've had to drink and I disagree that you're okay to drive. We're friends and our friendship is important to me. I feel uncomfortable getting in the car with you right now. I'm taking your keys and I'll arrange another ride home if you want to join me.

24. Scene 2 Your parents are getting a divorce
Scene 2 Your parents are getting a divorce. You care about them both and don't like it when one bad mouths the other.

25. Assertive Communication Here's how it works:
Scene 2 Your parents are getting a divorce. You care about them both and don't like it when one bad mouths the other. You might say: When I hear you talk about each other, you sound so mean. I care about you both and it bothers me to hear you speak this way about each other. I need you to remember that I am in the middle of this situation and I want you to stop bad mouthing each other.

26. Scene 3 Your teacher says to you to come to him with questions but every time you go to him he says: I'm busy. Try to figure it out for yourself.

27. Scene 3 Your teacher says to you to come to him with questions but every time you go to him he says: I'm busy. Try to figure it out for yourself. You might say... I'm trying to do this work and I've tried 4 times to ask you to explain it to me. I'm getting very frustrated. I need help to understand what I'm supposed to do.

28. Scene 4 At your summer job, your boss is asking you to do work that is unsafe and outside of your job description.
You might say…
Scene 5
Your girlfriend is trying to get you to spend more time with her and ignoring your friends.

29. Strategies to Overcome Conflict
Use “I” statements
Be an active listener, use “drive-thru”
talking
Allow each person to express their view
Negotiate compromises
Remain calm
Select appropriate time and place for discussion
Attack the problem, not the person
Control body language (eye-rolling, etc.)
Recognize when to quit, but don’t ignore issue

30. Gender Roles
Generalizations about how males and females should express themselves and the characteristics each possess.
Men are often expected to be…
Women are often expected to be…

31. Sexuality
Human sexuality is the total expression of an individual’s femaleness or maleness through that person’s feelings, beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors. One’s sexuality is the integration of a multitude of personal characteristics and factors.

32. Keys To Great Relationships
Commitment
The level of commitment in a relationship is directly proportional to the level of fulfillment, stability, and security experienced.
Low commitment relationships are not only less fulfilling and stable but inhibit the ability to make high level commitments later on.

33. Keys To Great Relationships
Focus on developing who YOU are.
Choose with your head BEFORE your heart.
THINK about what you want in a future spouse.
Treat others with respect NOW.
Establish and discuss BOUNDARIES.

34. Keys to Great Relationships
Before You Date
Decide what qualities you’re looking for in a date/future spouse
Choose with your head before your heart
Choose which feelings to follow

35. Keys to Great Relationships
Be friends first
- Able to observe in many different situations rather that just when trying to impress
- When infatuation fades, you’re still each other’s friend
- Allows you to set good boundaries / guard your heart

36. Keys to Great Relationships
When You Start Dating
Protect each other’s physical boundaries (ensure emotional intimacy matches physical intimacy)
Treat date the way you’d like to be treated
Be creative in your dating
Build one another up – don’t tear each other down, especially publicly

37. Keys to Great Relationships
Surviving Long Term
Learn how to successfully resolve disputes
Seek the advice of a couple you respect
Never accept mediocrity in your relationship – always fight for the best
Communicate!