Is This A Healthy Relationship?

Did you know that the first week in February has been designated Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week? The word "violence" sounds so drastic -- but just how do you know what really is a good relationship? What about all these sports figures and politicians, how did things go so wrong?

Relationship abuse is about more than physical abuse between boyfriend and girlfriend. It can be about friends telling you how to behave or how to dress. There is often abusive language or mean comments, and public or private putdowns. It can be a boyfriend or girlfriend controlling your actions -- asking where you have been or where you are going. Often it includes a person telling you who you can be friends with or how much time you should spend with your family members. Often these seemingly "just annoying" behaviors can escalate and lead to further mental and physical abuse.

You don't deserve to be treated badly. We've listed some web sites where you can go to learn what makes a healthy relationship, how other teens are coping with relationship issues, and suggestions for getting help if you think you are in a bad relationship. We also have listed some sites that teens like you are working on that encourage respect among peers.
If you are experiencing an unhealthy relationship do not just read about it -- get help now! Tell a parent, a teacher, an advisor -- anyone you trust. Make yourself heard!

Here are two pocket guides from Choose Respect an organization dedicated to promote awareness about the importance of healthy reelationships. Take the quiz with your friends -- how do you rate? (We'll print them out for you iof you like!)

http://www.chooserespect.org/scripts/materials/pocketguides/girlspocketguide.pdf

http://www.chooserespect.org/scripts/materials/pocketguides/boyspocketguide.pdf

"Healthy Relationships" Real-life situations that deal with unhealthy relationships in your family, with your friends, and in your dating life and tips for how to handle them.

http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/healthy_relat.html

Guy's version http://www.youngmenshealthsite.org/healthy_relationships.html

"What is your relationship reality?" Real facts about teen relationships and a list of warning signals that things aren't right.
http://www.stayteen.org/whats-your-relationship-reality/dating-violence/default.aspx

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games

Get in the action this winter at Wii Game Days. Come in to the library and compete with your friends to see who will win the gold medal. Wii Game Days after school Friday, February and Friday, March. Sign up by sending us your name in the comment section to be first on the competitor list.

The Big Read

Tired of reality shows on TV? Become involved in our own library mystery event -- The Big Read featuring The Maltese Falcon. Check out the cool events surrounding this library-wide event @ The Big Read. Participation in some events may be limited to Ages 16 & Up. Younger teens can check out The Little Read.