Dos and Don’ts for Teens in Relationships:

1. Do look for someone you feel comfortable with:

• Be yourself around them.

• Respect differences in opinions.

• Trust each other when apart.

• Avoid feeling pressured into unwanted actions or decisions.

1. Don’t forget your friends:

• Maintain friendships outside of the relationship.

• Don't neglect friends for a boyfriend or girlfriend.

1. Do be your own person:

• Develop your own interests and identity.

• Enhance self-esteem by having individual interests.

1. Don’t hide from problems:

• Address relationship issues openly.

• Admit when something is wrong and work together to solve it.

1. Do know the difference between good and bad conflict:

• Communicate feelings clearly and listen to each other.

• Avoid generalizations and past disagreements.

• Aim for productive conversations without being overly critical.

1. Do know the signs of an abusive relationship:
   

• Be aware of signs like constant criticism, isolation from friends and family, monitoring behaviors, threats, coercion, guilt-tripping, and physical harm.

Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-have-good-romantic-relationships/