1. Healthy Relationships

2. What is healthy relationship like? Partners in a relationship: O treat each other with respect at all times O like each other and are friends O are honest, understanding and caring O show loyalty and commitment in tough times O talk together and share feelings, fears, plans O have fun together O are not afraid to have separate interests and friends; not afraid to let partner grow and change O Are willing to sacrifice their own needs; want the best for the other partner

3. What are the characteristics of unhealthy relationships? O Often in unhealthy relationships, partners try to control each other. They may: O Be possessive and jealous O Not accept breaking up O Make all decisions (other partner may be uncomfortable) O Be scary or threatening O Pressure about limits O Be critical of partner’s ideas, clothes, actions.. O Put down their partner O Lose their temper easily O Physically harm their partner

4. What is a poor relationship like? This type of relationship exists when partner(s) feel:  bored, have little in common  conversation is limited  they need more space, or a reason to break up  tied down, too serious  pressured about limits (sexually or with commitment)  like they fight too much  feel stress, unhappiness  IN MARRIAGE, THIS TYPE OF RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES PARTNERS TO WORK AT THEIR RELATIONSHIP  What about dating relationships?

5. This type of relationship is… O ABUSE O People involved in these types of relationships should get help and get out O They should not blame themselves – they are worth more than this O What help exists in our community for people in abusive relationships?

6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4OK 9DmLpCY&feature=relmfu What is your opinion of Marriage based on your own experiences and observations?

7. Journal Write a poem about the covenant of marriage. Include characteristics that you feel make a strong, everlasting bond between 2 people. Decorate it with symbols. Or Choose 2 examples of the covenant of marriage in your life. (ie. grandparents, parents, family or other) Describe how you witness the characteristics of the covenant of marriage and describe how your view of marriage is shaped by these examples.