A healthy relationship is being able to tell your boyfriend anything and not worry about him judging you or getting upset with you. He should respect you and treat you well. You should be able to be yourself around him—and not have to hide anything from that person!

What qualities do you look for in a potential bf/gf?

He has to make me laugh! It’s important that I feel comfortable around him and that I am able to be myself. There is no point to a relationship if you cannot be yourself around the person you are dating.

What challenges come in high school relationships?

The hardest part to high school relationships is trying to find time to spend with each other! Between athletics, academic work, and extracurricular activities—it’s very challenging. However, if it’s meant to be, things will just fall into place. You also have to avoid harmful situations and being pressured. If you are uncomfortable doing something—DON’T DO IT! If he really loves you, he will understand your boundaries.

Do you think dating abuse happens among teens today? What type(s) of abuse do you see?

Yes, of course it does. I see more emotional and verbal abuse than physical abuse, though. Most of the time, someone in the relationship is always putting the other person down—he/she calls the other person stupid, lazy, or even ugly. If the person you are dating doesn’t make you feel special, or encourage you to be the best person you can be, you don’t belong with him/her.

How do you think the media portrays abuse in relationships?

The media usually only portrays the physical part of abuse, like hitting or pushing. There’s so much more to abuse than that! The media also shows that if you are being abused in a relationship, it’s okay to just put up with it. You should never do that! If you are being abused in a relationship, get out of it as soon as possible!

I BELIEVE IN WAITING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON TO COME ALONG—NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES