Making Healthy Decisions About Your Relationships
- Review your priorities regularly to remind yourself of your values.
- Revise your priorities as you change and grow as a person.
- Decide where you stand on "tough" issues so you'll be able to assertively communicate your physical and emotional boundaries to people that you're in a relationship with.
- In a dating relationship, a person that cares about you will respect your boundaries and your need to balance the relationship with other important parts of your life.
- Steer away from making choices that will keep you from reaching your goals. Ask yourself, "How could this choice affect my life?" and "Does this relationship support my priorities?"
- In a dating relationship, if you're having frequent arguments with someone that inappropriately expresses their thoughts and feelings by losing their temper...this is a RED FLAG. It usually doesn't get better (without help), especially if the person doesn't admit it's a problem. Focus on what's right for you.
- If you're having trouble making a decision, ask the opinion of someone you trust.
- Trust your "bells" if something is making you feel uncomfortable. Be understanding and sensitive to your needs.
- Get help from an adult you trust if you find yourself in a situation where you could get hurt.
- Understand that making a good choice about a relationship may not always be an "easy" choice. Don't be afraid to make the choice that's right for you.
