Respectful Relationships

Respect is about showing that you value other people through your words and your actions. You treat other people with care and you consider how your words or actions may affect them. 

No matter what type of relationship it is - family, friends, co-workers, neighbours, peers, teachers, acquaintances, boyfriends, girlfriends, partners - respectful relationships are about:

• feeing safe
• trust and honesty
• being valued and cared for
• being free to be yourself
• listening and being heard
• being able to disagree or say no without fear of being criticised or hurt
• being supported to make your own choices
• being encouraged to grow, learn and succeed
• being able to make mistakes
• working out arguments by talking and compromising

Is it love?

The feeling of falling in love can be exciting. It can also be nerve-racking and intense, sometimes affecting your sleep, your appetite and a million other things. It can feel all-consuming, or it can be a quiet, warm feeling.

Just as you can fall in love, you or the other person can also fall out of love. Most people fall in love more than once before they find the kind of partner who is ready to fully experience and share the emotional journey of love and to make a commitment for the longer term. 

How do you know if it is really love? Ask yourself:

• Do you have things in common, and enjoy similar activities?
• Do you share similar values about the big things (about family, morals, beliefs, etc.)?
• Do you encourage each other to pursue your own interests?
• Can you talk to each other about important things?
• Do you feel understood and heard?
• Do you understand and listen to your partner?
• Do you care about each other the same amount?