Pregnancy - Teen Pregnancy - Relationships
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Friend? Or Frienemy?
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As with any change that happens in your life, other areas are affected too. These changes may affect relationships with friends, peers and significant others. Your friends may feel uncomfortable talking to you about your pregnancy and distance themselves or they may become overly involved telling you what you should and should not do. Open and honest communication is key to healthy relationships.
Keep in mind: COMMUNICATE. |
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Care for and consider each other's feelings |
| O |
Openness and honesty with each other is a Must |
| M |
Mean what you say and say what you mean |
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Mutual respect, when you respect yourself, others do too |
| U |
Understand each other's strengths and weaknesses; don't try to change someone |
| N |
Nurture (build) your friend/partner's self-esteem and think positively about yourself |
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Individuality; know that each of you is special. Be yourself! |
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Clarify when you're not sure what's being said or what's intended - check it out! |
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Actively listen to each other, especially for feelings |
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Trust yourself and your friend/partner. Enjoy each other's company |
| E |
Encourage and support each other in your future goals |
Are you Right for Each Other?
Your relationship with your boyfriend may change significantly once you find out that you are pregnant and decide that you are keeping the baby. Ideally, as the baby's father, he will stay involved and develop a meaningful relationship with his child. Keeping open lines of communication is important throughout the pregnancy. Here's a quiz to check out your relationship.
Relationship Quiz
- Do you find that your partner doesn't want you to see other friends or participate in activities that do not include him/her?
- Does your partner criticize the way you dress, talk, dance?
- Are there times when your partner's teasing hurts your feelings?
- Does your partner make fun of you in front of family or friends?
- Do you mutually decide what to do during your time together?
- Do you ever feel pressured to do something you do not approve of?
- Has your partner ever hit you?
- Do you feel free to say "No" without having to explain your reasons?
- Does your partner help you feel good about yourself?
A 'yes' response to questions 5, 8, and 9 indicates you are on the right path to a healthy relationship.
A 'yes' response to any of the other questions could mean you need to examine your relationship more closely.
(Adapted from Are You Right For Each Other-Health Unit Pamphlet)
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