If someone gives you gifts like ‘phone credit, alcohol, drugs or jewellery, this can make you feel good about them, but if they want sex in return they are trying to exploit you.
Start noticing what you like about others and tell them. Having an appreciation for how amazing the people around you are leads to productive and fulfilling places.
If someone is trying to sexually exploit you, they may try to isolate you from your friends or family by saying they are the only person you need, that your family won’t understand or you’ll be in trouble.
People who exploit young people for sex want them to think they are a friend, or a boyfriend or girlfriend, to gain their trust to get power over them. They might use bribes, threats, humiliation and violence to get this power.
If your talk is negative, stop. If your talk is hurtful to another, stop. Change the topic. Gossiping only brings negativity into your life.
If you have been gossiped about, keep your head up and stay focused only on the things that truly matter. People will soon forget what they heard as there will always be a new topic of discussion.
If you find yourself thinking that someone should do something, try asking yourself: What can I do? Be that someone. Start small and simply.
Start being more polite to yourself, more loving, more kind and more forgiving. The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others.
Start spending time with the right people – the people you enjoy, who love and appreciate you, and who encourage you to improve in healthy and exciting ways.
If someone is trying to pass their bad mood to you, kindly say to yourself “no, thank you.” Do not accept their gift. Let it roll off you like water.