Relationships

Any relationship can be complicated. It can be difficult to know what you want from your relationships, or even to know if they are any good for you.

Good relationships are about trust, mutual respect, feeling comfortable with each other and being able to talk about things.

Friends are great for support, but if you want professional information and advice, or you need to talk about your feelings or worries with someone else there are organisations that can help.

• Base 51 Tel: 0115 952 5040 www.base51.org.uk
• Speakeasy Tel: 0115 992 6102 www.cityyouth.co.uk
• Childline Tel: 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk
• Sexwise Tel: 0800 28 29 30 www.ruthinking.co.uk
• Connexions Tel: 0115 948 4484 www.sortitonline.co.uk

Talking with your Partner

Sometimes in relationships we find it hard to say what we want, such as asking your partner to use a condom. Sometimes that's because we're not sure what we want, or perhaps put our partners needs first.

Often we don't say what we want for fear of being rejected, laughed at, hurt or ignored. But the more we don't say what we want, the harder it is to talk. Think about what you want and how to say it.

If people can't respect your needs, do they really deserve your time and attention?