Minds On
Growing relationships
Humans move through different types of relationships in their lives, with a lot of different people. We build genuine connections in a number of different ways. The relationship someone has with a grandparent will be different from the one they may have with their first romantic relationship. Over time, some of our relationships will naturally grow stronger, while others may fade.
Grandparent with grandson
Young adults at the fair together
Long-time friends hanging out
A big group of friends
Pause and Reflect
The importance of friends
Psychologists and authors say there are friendships that can have a positive effect on individual health, happiness, and well-being.
Consider that idea as you respond to the questions about friendship, family, and romantic partners.
Complete the Importance of Friends in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Importance of Friends.
| Question: | Your response: |
|---|---|
| What are some differences between relationships with family and relationships with friends? | |
| Are some relationships more important than others? Explain. | |
| How do relationships help with our mental and emotional development? | |
| Why might committed relationships be important? Explain your thinking. |
Action
Friendships and romantic relationships
Fill in the Venn diagram to identify the characteristics of friendships in one circle, the characteristics of romantic relationships in the other circle, and the common characteristics between these two types of relationships in the overlapping area.
Complete the Relationship Venn Diagram in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
Use the following words to fill out the Venn Diagram:
- loving
- share a close bond
- non-sexual relationship
- trust
- intimate
- deep friendship
- sexual
Pause and Reflect
What are the qualities?
After you have completed the Venn Diagram, reflect on the following questions:
- What qualities make a good friendship?
- What qualities make a good romantic relationship?
- Can a relationship be both a friendship and a romantic relationship at the same time?
- What characterizes a negative relationship?
Record your thoughts using a method of your choice.
Relationship of trust
Press ‘Sexual exploitation’ to access information about it in the context of the law.
According to the Canadian Department of Justice, a 16- or 17-year-old cannot consent to sexual activity if:
- their sexual partner is in position of trust or authority towards them, for example their teacher or coach
- the young person is dependent on their sexual partner, for example for care or support
- the relationship between the young person and their sexual partner is exploitative
Healthy relationships
Friendships and romantic relationships are both associated with benefits. Some of these include:
- support
- understanding
- camaraderie
- pleasure
But even healthy, trusting relationships have some emotional and physical risks.
Some of these risks include:
- emotional hurt when the relationship ends
- emotional hurt when trust is broken
- risk of becoming a parent before you are ready
- potential for sexual exploitation
- potential risk of STBBIs (sexually transmitted blood-borne infections)
In a romantic relationship, there are intimate behaviours that people can use to show caring and connection in a relationship. Depending on the level of intimacy, the level of risk may increase.
The levels of intimacy follow this continuum:
It is important to remember that an individual’s level of intimacy is their individual choice and may be impacted by a variety of factors, including their personal values and beliefs, as well as their comfort level.
For example, one partner may choose to stay at a level of intimacy that does not include sexual intercourse. That is a choice that must be respected by the other partner.
Pause and Reflect
What is consent?
Reflect on the following question and record your thoughts using a method of your choice:
- What does consent mean in a romantic relationship?
Press ‘Answer’ to access a possible response to check your understanding.
Consent for one level of intimacy does not mean consent for all levels of intimacy. Partners need to consent at ALL levels of intimacy. Consent must be communicated clearly, not assumed. At any stage, it is the partner’s right to say no. This does not require any further explanation.
Knowledge check
Let’s check our understanding of the content so far with these true and false questions.
Select the correct answer, then press “Check Answer” to see how you did.
Sexual activity
Teenagers need to know about the benefits and risks involved in sexual activity. Unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted blood-borne infections (STBBIs) are possible outcomes when preventative and protective measures are not used.
If someone uses condoms perfectly every single time they have sex, the condom is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The copper-coated IUD prevents pregnancy by not allowing the sperm to fertilize the egg.
Abstinence means avoiding all types of intimate genital contact. Someone practising complete abstinence does not have any type of intimate sexual contact, including oral sex.
There are different types of contraceptive methods that can be used to prevent pregnancy.
- condom
- birth control pill
- I.U.D. (Intrauterine device)
- abstinence
Complete the Contraceptives Chart in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Contraceptives Chart.
| Contraceptive | How it Works? | Effectiveness | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condom | ||||
| Birth control pill | ||||
| I.U.D. (Intrauterine device) | ||||
| Abstinence |
When you have completed the chart on your own, you may check your answers by accessing the following Contraceptives Chart Answers printable document.
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Contraceptives Chart Answers.
Pause and Reflect
Why do we need to know?
Reflect on the following question and record your thoughts using a method of your choice:
- What do teenagers need to know about contraception and safer sex in order to protect their sexual health?
Press ‘Answer’ to access a possible response to the question.
Those who choose to be sexually active need to be aware of which contraceptive methods provide a protective barrier against infection, as well as pregnancy.
For example, condoms may provide protection against both pregnancy and STBBIs – but to be effective, they need to be used properly and used every time.
Consolidation
Communicating your values
Reflect back upon the qualities that you believe are important in a friendship and/or a romantic relationship.
Communication is essential in building a healthy relationship.
It is important that each individual communicate their personal values concerning choices such as abstinence.
Press ‘Definition’ to access a definition for abstinence.
Abstinence is the practice of refraining from some or all aspects of sexual activity.
You will be presented with three scenarios. For each scenario, record your response using the method of your choice.
Press the following tabs to access the three different scenarios.
Two people have been friends since Grade 3 and have always got along very well. They share the same group of friends and have even gone on vacation with each other’s family. One day they are hanging out after school, just watching videos. Friend A notices that Friend B is sitting a little bit closer but does not think much of it. Slowly, Friend B puts their hand on top of Friend A’s. They blush and feel really uncomfortable. Friend A mumbles an excuse about needing to leave and runs off. They are pretty sure that Friend B was making a romantic move on them, but know they just want to be friends.
How should Friend A communicate this to their friend?
Two students in Grade 8 have been dating for two months. Things seem to be going well, and they both feel physically and emotionally comfortable together. Surprisingly, Friend A states that they want to explore the possibility of relationships with other people. Friend A wants to take Friend B’s best friend, to the movies. Friend A wants to know if Friend B would be comfortable with this idea.
What should Friend B consider as they make a decision and how should they communicate it to Friend A?
Two students from the same class have started to hang out. They spend time together whenever they can — after school, during the weekends, and every lunch break. Student A has had to cancel plans with other friends so that they can see Student B more often. They have also skipped their lifeguard course twice, but Student B said it was worth it, and then kissed Student A. Student A’s friend has started being less receptive to them at school, and the two friends are barely texting anymore. Student B says that the friend is just jealous. While Student A admits to having fun with Student B, they are beginning to miss their relationship with their other friend.
What does Student A need to communicate to both friends?
Contraceptive conversation
Let’s practise starting conversations about contraceptives by creating a social media post about one of the contraceptive options using a method of your choice.
Use the following checklist to help you create the social media post.
Social media post success criteria
Reflection
As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.
I feel…
Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.
Press ‘Discover More’ to extend your skills.
Discover MoreCreate a fictional scenario that highlights a situation that demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with another person.
Record your thoughts and ideas using a method of your choice.