Learning Targets

Question

After studying this lesson, I will be able to
 define the terms relationship and role and identify the needs that relationships fulfill.
 identify the traits that are present in a healthy relationship
 describe the characteristics of speech
 state the techniques used by active listeners
 give examples of nonverbal communication
 describe barriers to effective communication
 explain the role of constructive criticism
Relationships - A bond or connection you have with other people. Some different types of relationships may include:
1. Relationships with your family (the most important and long lasting relationship of your entire life)
 Parents or guardians take care of your physical needs for food, clothing, and shelter
 The love, care, and encouragement they provide are important to your mental/emotional health
 They also build your social health by teaching you values and social skills
2. Relationships with friends - A friendship is a significant relationship between two people that is based on trust,
caring, and consideration.
 Friendships can form between people of any age
 They have a positive influence on your self-esteem
 They can help you resist harmful behaviors
3. Relationships with Community - Citizenship is defined as the way you conduct yourself as a member of the
community. Good citizens work to strengthen their communities by:
 obeying laws
 being friendly to neighbors
 helping to improve the places where they live
Roles in Relationships
A role is a part you play in your relationship.
 At home you may be a son/daughter (stepson/stepdaughter), brother/sister (stepbrother/stepsister),
grandson/granddaughter.
 In school you may be a student, classmate, teammate, band/club member, tutor
 In the community you may be a neighbor, church member, employee
Traits of a Healthy Relationship
Healthy relationships nurture you. They bring out the best in you and encourage you to make healthful choices in your
life. Healthy relationships include:
1. Mutual respect – you treat people with respect and they respect you in return. You accept each other’s
opinions, tastes, and traditions, even if they are different. Sometimes you may have to agree to disagree.
2. Caring – you treat other people with kindness and consideration. You show empathy and support during difficult
times.
3. Honesty – you are honest and open with others.
4. Commitment – you contribute to the relationship and work to keep it strong, even if it means making some
sacrifices.
Skills for Building Healthy Relationships
1. Communication – the exchange of thoughts, feelings and beliefs between two or more people.
2. Cooperation – working together for the good of all.
3. Compromise – a problem-solving method in which each participant gives up something to reach a solution that
satisfies everyone.
Positive Character Traits

 Trustworthiness
 Respect
 Responsibility

 Fairness
 Caring/empathy
 Citizenship

Respecting Yourself
 Having self-respect is an important foundation for developing and maintaining healthy relationships.
 When you respect yourself, you’re more likely to seek out relationships with people who treat you with respect.
 Self-respect makes you less likely to let other people talk you into taking risks that could harm your health
 When you are clear about your values, you strengthen relationships. . If you are unclear about your values,
people around you may not be able to tell what is important to you and try to pressure you to participate in
unhealthy behaviors.
Respect for Others
You can strengthen your relationship with all the people in your life by treating them with the same respect you’d like
them to show you. You can show respect by the following
 Listen to other people. Be willing to hear and consider their point of view, even if you disagree with them.
 Be considerate of other’s feelings. Before you act or speak, consider how it might make the other person feel.
 Develop mutual trust. Let others know they can trust you by being honest and dependable. Show that you trust
them by believing what they say and confiding in them.
 Be realistic in your expectations. For example, you can’t expect friends and family members to always make you
the top priority.
Tolerance
Tolerance is the ability to accept other’s differences. People who are tolerant value diversity and can appreciate
differences in other people’s cultures, interests, and beliefs. If you do not have tolerance it may be because of:
 Prejudice – an unfair opinion or judgment of a particular group of people.
 Stereotype – an exaggerated or oversimplified belief about people who belong to a certain group.
Types of prejudice and discrimination may be based on:
1. Age – how young or old a person is
2. Physical/mental – a person’s looks, abilities, or disabilities
3. Socio-economic background – family background, money, neighborhood, job, education, etc.
4. Religion – a person’s beliefs about a higher power
5. Ethnic/Racial – race, skin color, country of birth, or language
6. Gender – whether a person is male or female
7. Sexual orientation – if they are bisexual or homosexual
8. Other – membership in any group other than any listed above
Disrespectful Behaviors
1. Bullying – deliberately harming or threatening other people who cannot easily defend themselves.
2. Hazing – making others perform certain tasks in order to join a group.
Communication - The process in which you send messages to and receive messages from others. The three different
styles of communication include:
1. Aggressive
 Being overly forceful, pushy, or hostile.
 It may involve bullying or intimidation.
 People may not pay attention to other’s thoughts, feelings, or needs
2. Passive
 Being unwilling or unable to express thoughts and feelings in a direct or firm manner
 Involves putting other’s needs ahead of your own.
 People may dislike conflict or go out of their way to avoid an argument.
3. Assertive
 Being able to express your views clearly and respectfully
 Involves standing up for your rights and beliefs while also respecting those of others (negotiate)

Communication Skills

1. Speaking Skills
 Speak clearly
 Use “I” messages – a statement that focusing on your feelings rather that on someone else’s behavior.
2. Listening Skills
Good listeners use “active listening” – paying close attention to what someone is saying and communicating.
a. Don’t interrupt. Give your full attention to what the speaker is saying.
b. Show interest. Face the speaker and make eye contact, nod or make comments such as “I see,” “Go on,”
or “I understand.”
c. Restate what you hear. Rephrase or summarize the speakers words to make sure you understand what
you are hearing.
d. Ask questions. Asking questions can help you understand what the speaker is saying. It can also help the
speaker clarify his or her thoughts and feelings.
e. Show empathy. Let the other person know that you can relate to his or her feelings.
3. Nonverbal Communication
 Changes in tone, pitch and loudness of your voice
 Body language is nonverbal communication through gestures, facial expressions, behaviors, and postures.
Offering Feedback
Even in strong relationships, every now and then people say or do things that bother other people. You need to offer
constructive criticism, non-hostile comments that point out problems and encourage improvements.

Write 5 complete sentences of what you learned from the info sheet.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Answer 1

1. I learned that healthy relationships are characterized by traits such as mutual respect, caring, honesty, and commitment, which help nurture individuals and encourage positive choices in their lives.

2. I discovered the importance of communication skills, including active listening techniques such as not interrupting, showing interest, and asking questions, which enhance understanding and strengthen relationships.

3. The significance of self-respect was emphasized; when individuals respect themselves, they are more likely to seek out relationships that reflect that same respect and are less susceptible to peer pressure.

4. I learned about the different styles of communication—aggressive, passive, and assertive—and how assertive communication is the most effective way to express oneself while respecting the views of others.

5. I also gained insight into the importance of tolerance and understanding diversity, recognizing that prejudice and stereotypes can hinder relationships and contribute to disrespectful behaviors like bullying and hazing.