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 a
common 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 takes time to develop. As the
relationship grows, so should the level of trust. There is openness and both parties have
good listening skills.
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). Conflict is a normal
part of any relationship. When conflict appears in a relationship, truly loving couples do
not make attempts to lower their partnerÕs self-esteem. They care about each other and
support them during good times and bad (e.g., career promotions, job loss, and 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. Couples in healthy relationships recognize that there are
shared responsibilities in career, leisure, child rearing, lifestyle choices and domestic
duties.
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, status of the relationship). 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 arenÕt afraid that the
relationship will end with each argument
• there is a sense of security because they know they can share their feelings openly
• they care about one another and they do not want unresolved issues to remain
unsolved
Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education (PPL30), Module #1 Healthy Relationships and Sexuality
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