Healthy Relationship Qualities
The relationship moves at a speed that feels enjoyable for each person.
Comfortable Pace
When someone tries to control your decisions, actions or emotions.
Manipulation
Name two important components of respectful communication in a relationship.
Examples: listening, clear "I" statements, honesty, respecting turn-taking.
What is a boundary?
A limit that protects your comfort, needs, and safety.
You have a friend who wants to end a relationship but feels nervous. Give one simple piece of advice for how to start the conversation respectfully.
Advice: Practice what to say, be direct and kind, choose a private place; example opening: "I care about you, but I don't want to date. I hope we can still be friends."
Owning your own actions and words.
Taking Responsibility
When someone expresses very extreme feelings and over-the top behavior that feels overwhelming.
Intensity
You notice your friend seems distracted while you talk about something important. What is one respectful way to continue the conversation so they feel heard?
Pause the conversation to ask if it’s a good time, ask clarifying questions, schedule a better time.
Define consent in one clear sentence appropriate for a 7th grader.
Consent is freely agreeing to something without pressure and with clear yes; it can be withdrawn anytime.
A friend tells you their partner checks their phone many times a day and asks who they're with. What is one supportive thing you could say and one next step they might consider?
Supportive response: "That sounds stressful — I'm here for you." Next step: set boundaries, talk to partner about how it feels, consider trusted adult if safety concerns.
Openly and respectfully discussing issues and confronting disagreements non-judgmentally.
Healthy Conflict
When someone repeatedly makes excuses for their un- healthy behavior.
Deflecting Responsibility
Describe one strategy to handle a disagreement so it stays a healthy conflict rather than becoming hurtful.
Use calm tone, stick to facts, take turns speaking, use problem-solving language.
If someone says “no” or pulls away, what should the other person do and why?
Stop immediately, respect the person's choice, check in and apologize if needed; the person who persists is responsible.
Casey is asked out by Jordan but only sees Jordan as a friend and worries saying "no" will ruin the friendship. Draft one sentence Casey could use to decline kindly and clearly.
Example: "Jordan, I really value our friendship, but I don't want to date. I hope we can stay friends."
Confidence that your partner won’t do anything to hurt you or ruin the relationship.
Trust
When someone has a really strong, unpredictable reaction that makes you feel scared, confused or intimidated.
Volatility
Give an example of a "I" statement a student could use when feeling upset about their partner’s behavior, and explain why it helps.
"I feel hurt when you cancel plans without telling me. I need you to let me know ahead of time." "I" statements reduce blame and focus on feelings and needs.
Describe how people can communicate different comfort levels about physical affection (public vs. private) and one respectful solution when preferences differ.
Discuss preferences ahead of time, agree on what is okay in public, respect "no" and find alternatives (e.g., hold hands privately).
A friend confides that their partner shares private things about them online after being asked not to. What advice would you give about safety, boundaries, and seeking help?
Advice: Document posts, ask partner to take them down, set clear boundary, block if needed, tell a trusted adult or counselor if it continues.
You value one another’s beliefs and opinions, and love one another for who you are as a person.
Respect
When someone does and says things to make you feel bad about yourself.
Belittling
Read this short scenario and identify two communication problems and one suggestion to improve the conversation:
"Jordan tells Alex they feel ignored; Alex responds by rolling their eyes and saying 'You're too sensitive.'"
Problems: dismissive response and name-calling; suggestion: pause, use "I" statement, ask clarifying question, set boundary.
Read this short scenario and explain who is responsible and why:
"Max keeps trying to do something after Julia says 'no' twice and pushes him away."
Max is responsible; continuing after "no" is assault/abuse, and responsibility lies with the person who ignored consent.
Read this scenario and write a brief plan (3 steps) the friend should take:
"Cameron broke up with Lee. Lee won't stop texting and is trying to show up at Cameron's activities, making Cameron feel unsafe."
1) Tell Lee clearly to stop contacting you and block him on phones/social media
2) Save messages and tell a trusted adult or school staff if contact continues
3) If actions escalate or you feel unsafe, contact authorities or school safety and get support from adults.