Relationships > Respect What is Respect? Only you can decide what a Respectful Relationship means to you. Some things to think about as you negotiate having a relationship is how do you want to be treated Physically, Emotionally and Sexually in your dating relationships? What are your bottom-lines or your non-negotiables, meaning what are ways that you should not be treated and ways you should not treat others? Below are some things youth have told us is important to them in having and maintaining a Respectful Relationship. Physically: Respect No Abuse Space and No Possessiveness- You and your partner can do things without each other and hang out with other people without you or your partner getting upset, excusing the other of cheating, etc. Comfortable Trust-No spying on, checking pagers, having other people give "reports" Communication Affection Attraction Emotionally: Respect No put-downs, especially when fighting or angry with one another Comfortable - No manipulation or blaming Communication (if necessary talk about how you communicate when you fight and when you're not fighting) Trust and honesty Love Friendship Security Understanding Caring Sexually: Respect Trust and honesty Communication (talk about expectations of what you're willing or not willing to do, safe sex, history, and consequences) No pressure Comfortable to say "Yes" and "No" at all times to any activity You have the right to... Be alone. Express your ideas. Express your feelings, even if they're negative. Choose your work and your religion. Live without fear. Have time to yourself. Spend your own money however you want to. Get emotional support from your family and friends. Listened to by your friends and family. Choose your friends - men and women. Express your strengths, abilities, and talents. Decide if you want to participate in sexual acts or not. Source: TeenRelationships.org < Back to Relationships Main Page