SEXUALITY AND RELATIONSHIPS

1. SEXUALITY AND RELATIONSHIPS UNIT 6

2. HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Humans are social beings- we have a basic need to belong, to feel loved, appreciated, and wanted. We can live healthy without relating to others in some way. THE ABILITY TO RELATE WELL WITH OTHERS, FEEL AND GIVE LOVE, AND HAVE SUPPORT THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE IS ALMOST AS IMPORTANT TO YOUR HEALTH AS EXERCISE AND NUTRITION.

3. RELATIONSHIPS CONTI� All relationships involve risk Only taking risks will help us get the most out of life, whether good or bad. By looking at our intimate and nonintimate relationships, components of sexual identity, gender roles, and sexual orientation, we will understand ourselves better.

4. RELATIONSHIPS CONTI� COMMUNICATING Since birth each individual has created a way to communicate with others. Some are quick to show emotions and feelings Other will remain reluctant and spend time alone This does not mean that one way is better than another

5. RELATIONSHIPS CONTI� IMPROVING COMMUNICTAION SKILLS Ask yourself, �How can I become a better communicator� Self-Disclosure- not story time, but it is a way to others understand why, you are reacting a certain way, and where it comes from (what experience makes you react that way) Be a better listener � listening is a vital part of communication; it allows us to share feelings, express concerns, communicate wants and needs, and let our thoughts and opinions be heard. WE LISTEN BETTER WHEN: 1) We believe that the message is important and relevant to us. 2) The speaker can hold our attention through humor, a dramatic act, or some type of media. 3) or we are in the mood to listen free from distractions

6. CHARACTERSTICS OF AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP- Relationships with family members, friends, and romantic partners, characterized by behavioral interdependence, need fulfillment, emotional attachment, and emotional availability. BEHAVIORAL INTERDEPENDENCE- the mutual impact that people have on each other as their lives and daily activities intertwine. (what one person does effects what the other wants and can do).

7. CHARACTERSTICS OF AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP 5 Characteristics of NEED FULFILLMENT INTIMACY- Someone with whom we can share our feelings freely. SOCIAL INTEGRATION- someone we can share worries and concerns with. NURTURANCE-someone we can take care of, and will take care of us. ASSISTANCE- someone to help us in times of need. AFFIRMATION-someone that will reassure us of our own worth, and let us know we matter. THESE ARE ALL VERY IMPORTANT PIECES OF AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP, AND THEY NEED TO BE PRESENT IN ORDER TO KEEP IT HEALTHY.

8. RELATIONSHIPS CONTI� In rewarding intimate relationships friends and families meet these needs. In addition to Behavioral Interdependence, relationships need to have a strong bond of emotional attachment. EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT- feelings of love. When we think of intimacy, we think of sex. But, some nonsexual relationships are based on intimacy through sharing feelings, beliefs, spirituality, and emotions. This type of intimacy is not easily judged by the outside, only the two people in the relationship can judge it.

9. RELATIONSHIPS CONTI� INTIMATE SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS- Most partners in these relationships fit into four categories. MARRIED HETEROSEXUAL COUPLES COHABITATING HETEROSEXUAL COUPLES LESBIAN COUPLES GAY MALE COUPLES Love relationships in each of these relationships typically include the all of the characteristics of friendship, as well as, the following characteristics of passion:

10. RELATIONSHIPS CONTI� CHARACTERISTICS OF PASSION FASCINATION-lovers tend to pay more attention to the other person rather than other activities. they are preoccupied with the other and want to think about, talk to, or be with the other. EXCLUSIVENESS- the love relationship takes priority over every other relationship. SEXUAL DESIRE- lovers desire physical intimacy and want to touch, hold, and engage in sexual activities with each other. GIVING THE UPMOST- lovers care enough to give the upmost to the other, especially in times of need. Sometimes to the extreme sacrifice. BEING A CHAMPION OR ADVOCATE- lovers actively champion each other�s interests and attempt to insure that the other succeeds.

11. This thing called love! What is Love? Scientist think that there are 2 types of love Companionate- a secure, trusting attachment, similar to what we feel with friends and family members. Two people are attracted, have much in common, care about each other�s well being, and express reciprocal liking and respect. Passionate- a high state of arousal filled with ecstasy of being loved and the agony of being rejected

12. LOVE CONT� STERNBERG�S TRIANGULAR THEORY OF LOVE INTIMACY- the emotional component, which involves closeness, sharing, and mutual support. PASSION- the motivational component, which includes lust, attraction, sexual arousal, and sharing. COMMITMENT- the cognitive component, which includes the decision to be open to love in the short term and the commitment to the relationship in the long term. THE QUALITY OF LOVE RELATIOSHIPS IS REFLECTED BY THE LEVEL OF INTIMACY, PASSION, AND COMMITMENT EACH BRINGS TO THE RELATIONSHIP OVER TIME.

13. LOVE CONT�

14. COMMITMENT TYPES OF COMMITMENT MARRIAGE- In the US marriage is view 2 ways: entering a legal agreement in which the couple share financial plans, property, and the responsibility of raising children. View marriage as a religious sacrament that emphasizes certain rights an obligations for each spouse. 3 types of marriage 1. Monogamy- exclusive sexual involvement with one partner. 2. Serial Monogamy- a person has a monogamous sexual relationship with one partner before moving on to another monogamous relationship 3. Open Relationship- in which the partners agree that there may be sexual involvement for each person outside the relationship.

15. COMMITMENT COHABITATION � two unmarried people living in the same household. In some states after 7 years in is called a common law marriage. GAY AND LESBIAN PARTNERSHIP- self explanatory. But, what is interesting is both sets of couples seem to settle into long-term relationships, just like heterosexual couples.

16. SEXUAL IDENTITY DEFINED AS- Recognition of oneself as a sexual being; a composite of biological sex, gender roles, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Gender Roles- expression of maleness or femaleness in everyday life. Gender Identity- personal sense or awareness of being masculine or feminine. Sexual Orientation- a person�s enduring emotional, romantic, sexual, or affectionate attraction toward other people.