Feeling loved and valued is important to all of us. We have a basic human need to connect with others and to involve ourselves in relationships with others that help us feel good about ourselves, build our confidence, and teach us how we can do the same for those who we choose to have relationships with.
Recently, in our eighth grade adolescent health series of classes, we had a meaningful discussion about what healthy relationships encompass and different types of love. Students identified a range of relationship types, including those involving family members, friends, classmates, teammates, and romantic partners. The students defined love as being shared, not controlling, free, makes us feel happy, and that healthy relationships involve shared perspectives, trust, communication, active listening, and mutual respect.
Our class activity involved each student writing their thoughts and feelings on a cloud and a heart. These images serve as a visual reminder to help students remember that being involved in relationships is important, but even more so when we feel nurtured, respected, listened to, and cared for in a healthy way by those who are important in our lives.