Dating

When one begins dating, it’s important to know how to build a healthy relationship with your partner. Setting boundaries for yourself is a good way to start. Know what you want in a relationship, and know what your rights are. Some important skills to develop for healthy relationships include: being able to express feelings in a non-destructive way, being a good communicator, being assertive, accepting differences and separateness, taking control of and responsibility for yourself, and being able to problem-solve effectively.

Know what your rights are in a relationship. You have the right...

To express your opinions and have them be respected;
To have your needs be as important as your partner’s needs;
To grow as an individual in your own way;
To change your mind;
To not be physically, emotionally, or sexually abused;
And, you have the right to break up and fall out of love with someone and not be threatened.

Abuse can take many forms including physical, emotional/verbal, and sexual. Physical abuse includes kicking, hitting, slapping, shoving, pushing, and throwing objects. Emotional abuse includes put-downs, threats, name-calling, ignoring, blaming, and keeping someone from friends and family. Sexual abuse includes being forced or threatened to do anything sexual that you do not want to do; anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, degraded, or afraid.

It is also important to know the warning signs of abusive and controlling behaviors. The following are warning signs of abusive behaviors:

You are frightened by your partner’s temper!
You have to justify everything you do, everywhere you go, or every person you see just to avoid your partner’s anger.
Your partner puts you down, but then tells you that he/she loves you.
You are afraid to break up because your partner has threatened to hurt you or himself/herself.
Your partner tells you what you can and cannot wear.
Your partner won’t let you talk to other guys/gals, even if they are friends. She/he is very jealous.

Your partner gets “carried away” during horseplay and hurts you, or holds you down and makes you feel helpless until you give in or feel humiliated.

If you or someone you know has experienced any of these abusive behaviors and need to talk, call:

Auglaize County Crisis Center at 419-738-5511
For an emergency, call the Auglaize County Sheriff at 419-739-6565 or 419-394-5227

Sponsored by the Auglaize County Health Department