Short messages on Relationships issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
People who are in a difficult or crisis situation tend to feel isolated. When you find out that someone is going through a crisis, whether it’s a divorce or break-up or an illness or the death of a loved one, get in contact with them as soon as possible to offer support and encouragement.
“The single greatest thing you can do to win the trust of those around you is to tell the truth, whether it puts you in a good light or a bad light.” – Simon Sinek
“Take responsibility for your actions at the time you perform your actions, not at the time you get caught. Tell the truth, good or bad.” – Simon Sinek
You either teach people to treat you with dignity and respect, or you don’t. You shape others’ behaviour when you teach them what they can get away with and what they cannot.
The overwhelming feelings you can experience as a teenager can either get easier as you get older, or you learn to control and deal with them better.
Don’t dismiss childrens’ feelings. Listen to them and support them; be open and honest. You’ll be able to discuss feelings, and they won’t be afraid to speak out about anything that is happening to them.
Even when you are stressed, tired, beyond your limits and dealing with your own feelings, taking it out on others can have a huge impact on how they feel and behave.
Be open to your feelings and how they change, and also be aware of the effect of your behaviour on others. People sometimes forget that our behaviour can really affect how others feel.
Your experience of feelings will adapt, change and grow throughout your entire life – after puberty, in your 20’s, 30’s, after marriage, relationships, children, divorce and so on. All these life experiences change your understanding of feelings and your priorities.
Some feelings need reflecting on. Never post online when you are angry – wait and write it calmly. With negative feelings it can be best to wait, reflect and not act hastily.