5 Circles
Scenarios
Definitions & Traits
100

these people you see sometimes and are “friends of friends” or closely related to something you do. For example, this may be a student in another class you sometimes see in the hallway, and you know a little about it because they are friends with one of your classmates.

What is Acquaintances?

100

Terri and Kelly are good friends, but Kelly dislikes how Terri sometimes makes mean comments about her appearance. She doesn’t feel comfortable confronting Kelly about this. When she finally decides to, Terri listens attentively and said she didn’t realize she was hurting Kelly. She apologizes for her behaviour and they talk about how to make their friendship stronger.

Healthy relationship - Good Communication

100

What is an example of good communication in a relationship?

- Setting boundaries when the other is busy

- Talking about things that make us upset without yelling or ignoring one another. 

200

How many close friends do people typically have?

1-4

200

Your mom notices you have been acting different and is worried about you. She wants to ask you about it but doesn't want to pry. Eventually, you come out as queer to your mom and she is relieved. She reminds you that you are still you! She tells you, you deserve everything you want and to relax and be your true self.

Healthy Relationship

200

What is Isolation?

keeping you from others—is an unhealthy behavior that can be easy to miss because it might seem like the other person is just really into you. But this can be part of your boyfriend’s attempt to control you.

300

usually one, maybe two people. Can be family.Very close friends, family, siblings – close but you may not tell them everything, typically 1-3 people

What is Best Friend?

300

David lives with his father but finds his relationship with him very difficult. When he comes home from school he never knows what kind of environment he will find. Sometimes his father seems happy, but often he is angry and aggressive. David can’t say anything right. When he tries to talk to his dad about how he finds his mood swings difficult, it turns into a fight where David is the one in the wrong. David’s fights with his father are growing in intensity and lately they have occasionally become physical.

Unhealthy relationship

300

What does an Unhealthy Relationship look like?

Control, Dishonesty, emotional or physical abuse, Isolation, Poor Communication. 

400

Define Transitional/New Friends 

people you have just met or know a little through shared hobbies, events, etc. These are people that you may not know a lot about and who do not always know a lot about you. But you have things in common and you enjoy being together, and you feel that they could eventually become a close friend if you had more time together. This is usually 1-4 people.

400

Your partner and you love each other but you never have enough time for one another. You start to feel like you can't trust each other and can't communicate your feelings easily. But they are still your best friend! In the end, you both choose to end the relationship but remain respectful towards each other

Healthy Relationship

400

What does a Healthy Relationship look like?

Good Communication, support one another, honesty, trust, respect

500

What can you discuss with your best friend vs. a school friend?

Open-ended question, provide 3 examples for points 

500

My best friend thinks I shared a secret about her. Now she is acting paranoid, like I’m spreading rumors about her. If she sees me Snapchatting or talking to other girls, she’ll freak out and ask what I’m saying. It’s frustrating and stressful, and I’m not sure how to talk to her about it.

Unhealthy Relationship - Lack of trust

500

How do you develop positive, healthy relationships? What will you need to be able to do?

Practice relationship skill building in the same way they practice reading, writing, and mathematical skills.

Know the characteristics of a healthy relationship.

Be able to identify when relationships are unhealthy and damaging.