In a healthy relationship, you and your bf/gf always respect each other and are always completely honest with each other. No secrets allowed! 

What challenges come in high school relationships?

The biggest challenge is rushing into the relationship.  So many teens rush into things before really getting to know each other.  Just waiting to date someone is the best thing to do because you can never take things too slow. It’s so important to really get to know and trust the person. Don’t just rush into a relationship just to have a bf/gf!

Who helps you make decisions on relationships and dating? Why do you go to this person/people?

My older sister and my best friend help me make decisions about my relationship. I go to them because I know I can trust them and I get two different points of view.  My sister has had a boyfriend for about four years so she gives me advice based from what she knows about her relationship.  But my best friend has never been in a relationship, so she gives me advice from a totally different perspective.

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

Without a doubt, dating abuse happens among teens today.  One of my friends was abused by her boyfriend.  It was really hard on her, but she was able to get out of the relationship—luckily.

How do you think the media portrays abuse in relationships?

I feel like the media tries to make a joke about abuse in relationships.  In a bunch of teen TV shows there’s always the girl who is abused by her boyfriend.  I feel like media does adress the topic but makes it look not as bad as it actually is. Dating abuse is nothing to joke around about!  

What issues do you see in the media, specifically in how they portray marriage and relationships among teens?

Most of the shows on TV that portray marriage end up in divorce.  The media makes teen relationships look as though they’re easy or a joke.  I feel like this makes teens think relationships are easy. And they’re not! Like The Secret Life of the American Teenager—I’m an American teenager and I’m not pregnant and  don’t have crazy relationship problems—the media is not realistic at all!

I BELIEVE IN COMMITMENT