PEP Talk: Intermediate / Program Themes and Activities
Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships
- What does a healthy relationship look like?
➢ It would have respect, honesty, trust, compromise, personal rights and boundaries, open communication, privacy
➢ People in the relationship can express themselves freely and feel safe to share their thoughts and ideas, etc. - What does an unhealthy relationship look like?
➢ It would be dishonest, lacking in trust, uncompromising, disrespectful, include mean and/or manipulative behaviours
➢ People in these relationships do not always trust each other and the relationship does not always feel fair or equal
➢ Boundaries are often not well established or respected - Healthy relationships are based on respect. Can you think of some examples of behaviours that show the relationship is healthy?
➢ Each person learns from their mistakes and tries to work on the relationship
➢ Clear boundaries are communicated and respected
➢ Individuals solve problems by listening and communicating without making the other person feel ashamed, guilty, afraid, or alone - Unhealthy relationships are based on one person having power and control or there is a struggle around who has power and control. Can you think of some examples of behaviours that show the relationship is unhealthy?
➢ Boundaries are not respected
➢ Communication is often ineffective and the individual with more power or control may be unwilling to listen
➢ When one person has the power or control in the relationship, they may limit the other person in the relationship from doing the things they want to do
➢ One person in the relationship may be trying hard to work on the problems in the relationship, but the person with the power or control may not take responsibility - How can you set healthy boundaries in relationships?
➢ Have self-awareness around what you feel comfortable and uncomfortable with in terms of both one’s own behaviour and the behaviour of others
➢ Communicate clearly in a relationship what your boundaries are and come to a mutual understanding of the importance of respecting one another’s boundaries
➢ Boundaries need to be built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and acceptance - What are some ways to navigate leaving an unhealthy relationship?
➢ Get help from a trusted adult if you are feeling unsafe
➢ Seek out useful resources (e.g., connecting with Kids Help Phone)
➢ Turn to your network of family and friends for support while leaving the realtionship