Canadian Red Cross provides healthy relationship tips for teens

The Canadian Red Cross is well-known for its international humanitarian relief services and the aid it provides domestically in the face of emergencies - but the charity organization's reach is even wider than that. One of the Canadian Red Cross' most passionate initiatives is working with youth of all ages. Young people in Canada - especially those in high school - are faced with difficult decisions every day. The Canadian Red Cross provides the right tools for youth to handle challenges they may face.

Most teenagers will tell you, and lots of adults will remember, that high school years can be overwhelming. The pressures seem to be never-ending, and incorporating time for schoolwork, friends and athletics can be stressful.. However, one of the biggest influences on teens during these years is romantic relationships. For many Canadian youth in high school, dating is an exciting time of self discovery. But not everyone is fully equipped to handle new relationships in healthy ways.

Finding healthy relationships
Most teens are new to relationships, so it's not surprising that many may not know what makes a relationship healthy. Sharing healthy relationship tips with youth is essential. For instance, in a relationship, the other person should listen to you and take your feelings seriously. He or she should be open and honest, never try to be controlling, show trust and - most importantly - respect. This includes understanding limits on intimacy, including sex.

It's important that you know your rights in a relationship. There is no reason to tolerate any form of physical aggression or threat of aggression from the other person. Any abuse is a license to immediately remove yourself from that relationship.

If you're feeling angry and are having trouble channeling your frustration somewhere outside your relationship, consider the following advice:

While feeling angry is okay, remember that aggression - physical or verbal - isn't. Instead, use your anger as a red flag. Evaluate what is really bothering you in your relationship and talk it out. Take responsibility and treat the other person with respect and offer patience.

Donate today to the Canadian Red Cross and your donation will help promote violence prevention and healthy relationships among Canadian teens.