Teen Guide to Smart Dating
Alyssa Pham and Allison van der Plas
Relationship Advice Column
Benefits of Abstinence
Avoiding Unplanned Sexual Activity
2. Avoid situations where you are alone with your partner along with a sexually active couple. This could result in negative peer pressure to engage in unplanned sexual activity.
3. Avoid situations when you are alone with your partner without any parental supervision. This can result in negative peer pressure from your partner to engage in sexual activity.
Setting Boundaries for Romantic Relationships
Healthy and Safe Expressions of Affections
Refusal Skills and Pressure Lines
Sr. Jeffers: You know I love you. [Moves in closer]
Rebecca: Of course, but I don't think we are ready for that yet. [Slowly moves away]
Sr. Jeffers: Aren't you curious? [Takes a step closer]
Rebecca: We have to get going if we are going to make the dinner reservations.
Sr. Jeffers: It will only take me a couple minutes.
Rebecca: Stop that, we have to get going. [Nudges him away]
Sr. Jeffers: Come on, Mike and Melinda have done it.
Rebecca: I have different values, you should respect them.
Sr. Jeffers: Fine, let's just go eat.
Rebecca: Okay, we can talk about this later.
Bio
I am a teenage girl currently learning about Sexuality in health class. I know the struggles of going through changes and dealing with them. The main thing about dating is that you should really look towards your own beliefs and values. Make sure what you are doing is safe and healthy, and wont lead to any negative consequences.
Alyssa:
I am also a teenage girl learning about Sexuality in health class. The main thing I've learned for healthy relationships is that communication is important. Take time to discuss your boundaries between your partner also. Before doing anything serious with your relationship, be sure to get to know the person enough to trust them. Know each other's boundaries, values, and beliefs.
Reporting Sexual Harassment, Sexual Abuse, and Child Abuse
Name: Minnesota State University Reporting Procedure*
Site: http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/sexualassaultpolicy.htmlPhone Number: 1-800-722-0544
Name: Police*
Site: http://www.mankato-mn.gov/CustomerService/
Phone Number: 911
Address: 10 Civic Center Plaza Mankato, MN 56001
*=Local (Mankato Area)
Consequences of Early Sexual Activity
1. Pregnancy
2. STD's
3. HIV
Mental:
1. Increase in depression
2. Shame or guilt
3.Low self-esteem
Social:
1. Being Bullied
2. Friends leave you
3. Staying separated from people
Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship
1. Good communication
2. Trust
3. Respect
4. Same values and beliefs
5. Boundaries
Unhealthy Relationship:
1. Poor communication
2. Too much dependence on other person
3. Arguments and Fighting often
4. Jealousy
5. Lack of trust