1. Relationships Types of Relationships Benefits of Relationships Healthy vs. Unhealthy Dating Marriage

2. What is a Relationship?? How would you define a relationship? - A bond or connection between two individuals. Who do we form relationships with throughout our lives? - Parents, siblings, friends, teachers, coaches, employers, etc.

3. Relationships Cooperation and Compromise are important aspects of a healthy relationship. Mutual trust and respect are cornerstones of a responsible relationship. Good relationships take time, energy, and hard work to maintain.

4. Benefits of Relationships What are some benefits of having certain relationships? - Love - Companionship - Safety - Shared interests - Someone to have fun with - Share problems/difficulties

5. Traits of a Healthy Relationship Respect Acceptance Honesty Trustworthiness Dependability Loyalty Empathy – the ability to share another person’s feelings or thoughts.

6. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Trust Love Equality Mutual respect Laughter Support Acceptance Honesty Communication Can be yourself Independent Lack of trust No respect Jealousy Abuse Low self-esteem Power issues Lies Manipulation Lack of communication Fear

7. Types of Relationships Friendship – a significant relationship between two people based on caring, consideration, and trust. Family Relationships – provide the strongest bonds, these are bonds that last a lifetime. Parents and guardians provide love and care, as well as teach values and give guidance. Dating Relationships/Marriage

8. Family Relationships Members of a family affect one another economically, socially, and in some ways physically. The family plays a critical role in the healthy growth and development of the individual. Meet basic and emotional needs. Instill values and religious beliefs. Pass on traditions and customs from one generation to another.

9. Platonic Friendships Definition: a deep and spiritual connection between two individuals in which there does not exist any form of sexual connection or attraction. Is it possible for platonic relationships to exist? What is the benefit of platonic relationships?

10. Dating Relationships In your own words, define “dating” Do you think there is pressure to date? Where does this pressure come from? What are some reasons people do not choose to date?

11. Dating Relationships Do you think males and females have similar expectations about dating? - Are there stereotypes involved? ~ Who asks who on date? ~ Who pays? What qualities in a relationship are important to you?

12. Marriage Marriage is an agreement between two people to face the realities of life as a couple. Marriage is a long term, on-going commitment. Why do you think couples decide to marry?

13. To Wed or Not? Is it “love”? -many people marry because they are lonely -escape an unpleasant situation at home -pregnancy -financial security -health insurance

14. Marital Adjustment How well people adjust and adapt to marriage and each other. A well adjusted marriage is when both individuals agree on: Critical issues in their relationship Share common interests and activities Demonstrate affection Have few complaints about marriage Do not have feelings of loneliness Close association before marriage A similarity in family backgrounds and domestic happiness

15. Divorce 68% of all marriages end in Divorce The primary reason most marriages fail is because couples are not prepared to make the commitment. Other issues that cause problems are: Differences in spending and saving habits Conflicting loyalties involving friends and family Intimacy or Sexual problems Jealousy, Infidelity, or Lack of Attention Housework Decisions about children and child care

16. Cohabitation What is the meaning of cohabitation? What are your feelings towards cohabitating? Do you think it’s a good idea? Why do you think many couples cohabitate? Finances Trial marriage It makes sense

17. Cohabitation Advantages Save money Increase intimacy skills Increase communication Trial marriage Disadvantages Limit experiences Parents may not be supportive Change in social life and loss of friends The problems that exist are the same as married couples: money, sex, division of tasks, etc. A break up is just as hard and painful as a divorce – legal complications

18. Teen Marriages Do you think teen marriages are a good idea? Teens who marry choose their mates before they have an idea of who they are or what they want. Most teens marry because of unplanned pregnancies Most teen marriages will deteriorate as the excitement wears off and responsibilities increase

19. Teen Marriage Stats Females who marry between the ages of 14 and 17 are twice as likely to divorce. 3/4s of all teen couples who marry because of pregnancy will divorce within 6 years.

20. “I Now Pronounce You Married”