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Getting it out & Getting it Right

We have relationships with lots of different people - parents, teachers, sisters, brothers, and friends. The basics of all relationships are the same. It's important to treat each other fairly and with respect. This goes for intimate relationships, too.

My rights in a relationship are

to trust myself and my instincts
to be respected and listened to
to change my mind
to express my feelings
to refuse sex
to not be physically, emotionally or sexually abused
to be able to break up with someone who makes me feel bad
Recognizing that your partner has these rights too!

When things are going well, the person I'm going out with is someone who

considers my beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and wants. He or she doesn't pressure me to do something I don't want to do
listens to what I have to say
respects, trusts and supports me
remembers things that are important to me
is concerned with my interests, activities and beliefs
lets me be first sometimes
values and takes care of him/herself
enjoys spending time with me
disagrees with me without hurting my feelings or beliefs

Talking

"Communication is very important. You need to make your views, opinions, and feelings known. As well, you need to listen to whoever you are having the relationship with. Certain issues may be difficult to talk about, but still need to be dealt with. Even though I'm a youth educator and talk about safer sex and relationships all the time, I still find it slightly uncomfortable to talk to boyfriends about safer sex. But this is something that needs to be talked about. If we realize that both of us are uncomfortable, then maybe the conversation will be easier. It's all about choices. You can choose not to communicate and risk making the issues bigger, or not solving problems; or you can choose to communicate and get things out there."
Female, 20

"Always say what's on your mind! Even if it may hurt the other person's feelings. If you bottle your feelings up one day they will explode in your face."
Male 19