Respect

R-E-S-P-E-C-T – this is what it means to be...

treated with consideration  and to be willing to treat people that way too. It means to have a regard for other peoples’ feelings, listening to people and hearing them, giving them full attention. Even more importantly, respect means treating someone with dignity. It also means taking care of you and the things that are important to being you.

What is a Healthy Relationship?

In a healthy relationship, there is respect, honesty and trust between both people. You might disagree or argue sometimes, but in healthy relationships you should be able to talk things out to solve problems.

Signs of a healthy relationship.

• You and your partner have other interests besides each other.
• You feel that you could end the relationship if you are not happy.
• You respect each other’s opinions, even when they are different.
• You feel good and unafraid when you get together with your partner.
• You accept responsibility for your actions.
• You treat your partner with respect and expect respect in return.
• You understand that both partners have the right to say “no,” set limits, and have them respected.
• You communicate with each other clearly and honestly.

Signs of an unhealthy relationship.

• Your partner gets extremely jealous or accuses you of cheating when you spend time with your friends and your family.
• You have seen your partner throw, hit or break things when they are angry.
• Your partner frequently makes you feel bad about yourself.
• Your partner has threatened or physically hurt you.
• Your partner pressures or forces you into sexual activity or situations.
• Your partner calls or texts you repeatedly.
• You are afraid to talk about your relationship problems or fears with your partner.
• You are afraid to end the relationship.

Bullying is ABUSE

Bullying can cause real pain and damage. It’s also an abuse of POWER. People who bully usually target those who seem weaker in some way.

Bullying hurts everyone.

How? Bullying creates fear. Living in fear of humiliation or violence—to yourself or to others—makes it tough to learn and have fun.

People who are bullied may suffer physical and emotional pain and health problems.

They may:

• feel ashamed, lonely or rejected
• withdraw from family or friends
• miss a lot of school or have poor grades
• become angry, violent, depressed or suicidal

Sexual Harassment is ABUSE

Sexual harassment is ANY unwanted and unwelcomed sexual behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable, offends you, hurts your reputation, frightens, or threatens you.

ABUSE in Cyberspace

Texting or photo messages, emails, blogs, social networks sites can become a place for bullying. It is also easy to be deceived. If someone intentionally hurts, humiliates or threatens another person that is bullying. It doesn’t matter where it takes place.