Whether you’re experiencing problems with
bullying or are about to start a serious relationship with a
boyfriend or girlfriend, relationships can be pretty
stressful.
Finding yourself
As we get
older, things affect us more and this can mean feeling low or
having lots of 'ups and downs'. Sometimes we feel like we don't
have as much in common with our friends as we used to and sometimes
pressure from friends can make us do things we really don't
want to do.
The most
important thing to remember is that everyone is different and
special in their own way. Spend time with people who think
you matter and try to be true to yourself. If things get too
much then talk to someone about it - a close friend, family member
you trust, your
Personal Adviser or a friendly voice at
Connexions Direct. You
could even chat online, text or email Connexions Direct if you
don't want to pick up the phone.
Finding luuuuurve
There are many ways of expressing your love for
someone and everybody has their own set of values and
beliefs when it comes to relationships. It’s important to respect
other people’s views. Love can give you a great buzz but can
also bring heartache - most people who've been in a
relationship could tell you this!
If you're thinking about starting sexual
relationship stay true to what you want to do and don't
let yourself be pressured if you're not ready; after all,
you've got your whole life ahead of you! Always make
sure you're properly protected against
sexual
infections or
pregnancy - and
this means girls and boys! And remember that sex
isn’t legal until your 16 - if somebody tries to persuade you
to have sex and you’re under 16 they could be
prosecuted.
Lonely?
Feeling lonely
means feeling miserable. Lots of people feel like this from time to
time but that doesn't help much, does it? We all need someone
to share our feelings with and to have a laugh with and if you're
having trouble getting on with people at school or at home then why
not try doing something fun in your spare time where you can meet
new people? Check out our
volunteering
pages for suggestions on what you could do... doing something for
other people can make you feel really good about
yourself.
Youth Information.com
recommends a few books about coping with friendships that
you could borrow from your local or school library (go to the
'family and relationships' section and choose 'relationships with
friends'). Being a good friend by looking out for others
and listening to their worries is a good way of keeping
friends.
Useful
links:
Connexions Direct
Friends,
family, boyfriends, girlfriends... get advice from Connexions
Direct. You could chat online to an adviser if you're worried
about anything to do with relationships.
Fetch!
Links to
useful websites
