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, work mates, sporting partners, neighbours, fellow students, teachers, acquaintances, boyfriends, girlfriends - 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 awesome. It can affect your sleep, your appetite and about a million other things. It can take over your whole world. Or it may not be so monumental – just a quiet, warm feeling.

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?