Responsible RelationshipsPresentation 2

Supershort Assignment #2

• List 5-7 positive (non-physical) characteristics that you look for in a dating partner.

• Circle one or two that are most important.

• Write why they are very important to you. Use complete sentences!

Benefits of Dating

• Allows you to find out what different types of people are like

• Helps you find out to whom you relate most easily to

• Learn how to resolve disagreements and communicate more effectively

• Can enrich your life by providing emotional support during a challenging period of your life

Stepping Stones of Relationships

1. Two people are attracted to each other and want to know each other better.

2. As the two people get to know one another they find things they have in common.

3. The two people get to know each other’s values and feelings and enjoy doing things together. This is considered “dating”.

4. The two people confide in, trust, and support each other. They’re dating “exclusively”.

5. People feel they can commit to each other for life. This relationship may lead to marriage.

Dating Rules Activity1. On a sheet of notebook paper quickly

write down FIVE RULES you would have for your OWN kids when they date. *you may NOT talk with your classmates!

2. In the next 2 minutes, you must:• Get out of your seat• Talk with your classmates• Write down at least 2 more rules you didn’t

already have.

3. Of the rules listed on your sheet CIRCLE the one you think is the most important and in 2-3 sentences explain why.

Dating Ideas Activity*EACH person will write this on the BACK of their Dating Rules paper*

Suggestions for Dating• DO find out some of the activities the he or she

likes to do, even if they might not be your favorite.

• DON’T always insist on being the one who decides what to do.

• DO focus on getting to know your date. Ask good conversational questions. (Show a bad & good role-play.)

• DON’T focus on always having a good looking or popular person to date.

• DO be respectful of your date’s wishes and independence.

• DON’T be manipulative or controlling.• DO observe the rule(s) that your date’s parents

and your own have set for dating.• DON’T go out with them alone unless you really

know them. Try a group date.

The keys to a quality relationship . . .

1. Honesty (always the best policy)2. Good communication (assertive)3. Negotiation (compromise)

• In other words, most problems arise due to: dishonesty, lack of communication, and lack of compromise.

When Relationships End• Most dating relationships during the

teen years will eventually end.– The average high school dating relationship

lasts 45 days (1 ½ months).– If you are breaking up, do it face to face.

• Breakups can be tough!• Use emotional energy to focus on

something positive to better yourself.• Talk with someone (parents, friends,

etc.)• Remember! Things will get better

Dating & Teen Violence

• 30 second PSA = http://youtu.be/SL8xXV0lB24

• CBS Special Report (2:34) = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4rHTOHxcn8&feature=related

When Dating Goes Bad . . .

• Dating violence includes all

forms of abuse: physical, emotional, and sexual.• A caring relationship involves kindness,

gentleness, and respect, NOT control and abuse.

• Unhealthy relationship signs include: jealousy, attempts to control a partner’s behavior, use of insults or guilt to manipulate a partner.

Date Rape

• Date rape occurs when one person in a dating relationship forces the other person to participate in sexual intercourse.

• It can happen to boys and girls, but the most frequent victims are young women between the ages of 15 and 25.

Strategies for Preventing Date Rape• Don’t go on blind dates alone. Know the person you are

going out with, and learn about his/her friends and reputation.

• Go on group dates the first few times you’re out with a new person.

• Date people close to your own age.• Don’t go to isolated places on a date.• Tell someone at home where you will be and when you

plan to return.• Take money with you in case you need to take a taxi and

bring a cell phone if possible.• Set clear sexual boundaries, and communicate them

assertively.• Avoid situations where alcohol/drugs may be

present. • Watch your food & drink to avoid date rape drugs.

Other Fun “dating” Ideas (FYI)• Go to a driving range & hit a bucket of balls• Carve a pumpkin or watermelon• Build a snowman together• Go to the Portland Zoo or OMSI (each month there’s a specific day

that only costs $2 to get in!)• Play on the play structures at a park• Do a ropes course together• Scavenger hunt! (fun double date)—take photos each time you find a

clue then share them at the end• Set up a movie in your backyard• Turn your garage into a “drive in” movie theater• School sporting events• Ice Blocking (think sledding on ice in the summer)• Pick a unique place for a picnic• Build a sandcastle• Go to the pumpkin patch or corn maze• Make gingerbread houses, decorate Easter eggs, etc.• Host a mystery dinner (wear costumes) – buy a kit online for $10-20• Make a slip n slide out of a tarp or plastic sheeting from Walmart in

your backyard• Pack a cooler and go to a local river, lake, pool

Optional DVD

• When Dating Turns Dangerous – 38 minutes

• We may show 11 minute sneak preview and follow up the rest during STAT.