Everybody knows that making a relationship work is more than just going out on a few dates together. You have to have a balance of respect, trust, and honesty.
The decisions you make about your relationships matter a lot - both in the short-term and in the long-term. So, Stay Teen has collected some facts, tips, and feedback from teens about what makes a healthy relationship and how to avoid an unhealthy one. Don't forget to add your feedback too - we want to know what your relationship reality is! Send your relationship thoughts and stories to us at stayteen@teenpregnancy.org.
- Just because you think "everyone is doing it," doesn't mean they are. Some are, some aren't — and some are lying.
- There are a lot of good reasons to say "no, not yet." Protecting your feelings is one of them.
- You're in charge of your own life - don't let anyone pressure you into having sex.
- You can always say "no" — even if you've said "yes" before.
- If you're drunk or high, you can't make good decisions about sex. Don't do something you might not remember or might really regret.
- Sex won't make him or her yours and a baby won't make them stay.