Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education Additional Supports ...

Trust
Trust is the foundation of a healthy relationship. One of the most destructive things in a
relationship is jealousy that runs out of control. A certain degree of jealousy is an
important element of a healthy relationship. However when jealousy enters a relationship
it should be proportionate to the experience. There should be no lying, manipulation or
secrets. There should be a sense of companionship and caring. There is always room for
other friends with little fear that other friendships will minimize the dating relationship.
Both parties will find they want to share themselves because they trust their partner to be
as careful with their feelings as they are with their own. Trust levels and the degree to
which a couple is willing to share their experiences take time to develop. As the
relationship grows, so should the level of trust.
Consensual Enjoyable Intimacy
The sexual experience in a relationship should be equitable, mutually agreed upon and
enjoyed. Both parties should feel free to express their needs and boundaries and have
them respected, so that one person does not end up feeling like they have to give in to the
other. If one person does not want to be sexually active, their wishes must be respected.
In healthy relationships problems and issues related to sexual dissatisfaction are openly
communicated without fear.
Support
Individuals in healthy relationships provide comfort and empathy to one another. They
lend a shoulder and listen attentively to what their partner is saying, as well as the things
they are not saying. There is no attempt to try to fix or change the other person. They
accept one another for the person that they are (e.g., idiosyncrasies). They listen to each
other and donÕt spend time trying to fix the other person. Conflict is a normal part of
every relationship. When conflict finds itself in a relationship (a normal part of every
relationship) truly loving couples do not make attempts to lower their partnerÕs selfesteem.
They care about each other and support them during good times and bad (e.g.,
career promotions, job loss, family death). Healthy relationships are give and take
situations, not one-way streets. Couples in healthy relationships are committed to
bringing out the best in each other and have the otherÕs best interests at heart.
Easygoing
The overall tone of the relationship is relaxed. Both parties can laugh at themselves
without humour being at the other personÕs expense. Both parties will feel comfortable
communicating their thoughts, feelings, likes, dislikes and ideas (e.g., where to go on a
date, world issues). Healthy relationships are void of physical aggression or threats of
physical aggression. There is a sense of relaxation both when you are with your partner
or apart.
Fair Fighting
Arguments, disagreements and issues are a part of every relationship. Conflict does not
mean that the relationship has gone sour. In fact, healthy couples argue because:
• they feel comfortable communicating their feelings and are not afraid that the
relationship will end with each argument
Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education (PPL30), Module #3 Violence and Risk Taking Behaviour
Page 30