Short messages on Relationships issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Yawning when someone is talking gives them the impression you’re not interested. Try hiding it, apologise and tell them you are interested – otherwise they may take offence.
When at school or work, causing disruption may be a fun distraction from the work, but it also distracts others who will not appreciate it. Think of others who want to learn or do well, as your actions are affecting them.
On someone’s birthday or when in a relationship, it’s not the amount of money you spend on them which is important, it’s how you make them feel.
Contraception is a way of reducing the chances of you or your partner from getting pregnant. Condoms, “the Pill” and LARC are common types of contraception.
After an argument, many people distance themselves, both waiting patiently for the other to make the first move or to reach out and connect the bond. Instead of waiting for your partner or sleeping with the distance, reconnect the bond by giving your partner a hug, say sorry, or acknowledge the pain.
Arguments are a “you versus me” battle and almost always have the goal of one participant winning and the other losing. Relationships, however, are not built on opposition. Meaningful relationships consist of two players who are on the same team and should work toward a common goal. Try to make the goal be achieving resolution, rather than winning.
Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship. Friendship is more important that one small fight; make sure you practice this.
Bringing up the past in an argument creates resentment, prevents the real issue from being discussed and shows you haven’t forgiven them for it; additionally, the current argument will not be resolved.
When you realise you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. Don’t let your pride get in the way of taking those steps. Apologise, taking full responsibility. That will speak for your character more strongly than the action of making the mistake in the first place.
One of the keys to remaining ‘in control’ and happy while bringing up young children is finding other mothers in a similar situation. Parent and Toddler groups are a very important part of our community and very often the first place for mothers to meet other mothers with children the same age.