Healthy relationships
A healthy relationship is based on respect, trust, and good communication. Relationships can be both online and face-to-face.
You have the right to expect the following in your relationships:
- Respect – everyone should expect to be treated with dignity and respect
- Equality – it is important that power within a relationship is shared and both people’s feelings are given equal importance
- Separate identities – being in a relationship should allow both people to have their own identity and freedom, for example friends, hobbies and interests
- Good and honest communication – it’s okay to disagree and it’s important to talk about how you feel in an open and safe environment
Always trust your instinct and be empowered to say ‘No’ to anything or any situation you are uncomfortable with.
If you feel uncomfortable in a relationship or that someone is trying to control you or make you do something you don’t want to, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. It’s also okay to change your mind if there’s something you don’t want to do anymore.
Enjoying a sexual relationship can be very rewarding and satisfying when it is consensual. If either person is not comfortable or isn’t sure, you can and should say no.
It is never acceptable for a person to force you into participating in sexual activity if you don’t want to. To avoid any misunderstanding, it’s best to talk about it first. Lasting relationships thrive on good communication. Get talking – let each other know what you want, don’t want and how you feel.
Parents and carers
If you are a parent or a carer, you can play an important role by talking to your child about the wellbeing that can come from positive relationships. Having open and honest chats about sexual health and relationships can help your child as they grow up and go through puberty. It’s important to let your teenager know that they can talk to you about anything that’s on their mind.
Free relationships and sexuality education programmes for young people
The Public Health Agency (PHA) funds Common Youth and ACET to deliver relationship and sexuality education programmes for young people which focus on:
- healthy relationships
- the human body and development
- sexuality and sexual behaviour
- values, rights, culture and sexuality
- understanding genders
- violence and staying safe
- health and wellbeing
- sexual and reproductive health