Healthy Relationships Utah Teens
January 2022
TEEN TALK
Relationship Stages

Our romantic relationships have different stages of development. Relationships change as you and your partner do, so it’s important to take your time and appreciate each stage for what it is. Don’t rush through it! Have fun in each stage and focus on getting to know each other deeply.

Here are some things you can do in the foundation stage that will help you have fun, connect, and make decisions about the relationship:

  • Do a variety of activities together! Make a list and check them off.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions. For example: do I like the way I feel when I’m with this person? Do I feel like this person is moving too quickly? Am I afraid to share my thoughts and opinions?

  • Remember that this should be fun! If a relationship becomes too serious too quickly, we might miss out on a lot of opportunities.

  • Decide what your boundaries are now and express them early. Boundaries help keep the relationship safe and thriving. What does verbal, emotional and physical respect look like to you? Pay attention to how they respond to you setting those boundaries.
PARENTING TIP
Safe Spaces for Relationships
Make your home a welcoming place for your child to develop healthy, safe, and fun relationships of all kinds.

Encourage your teens to build relationships with a variety of people. Don’t be afraid to ask them about their friends and get to know them. When your kids and their friends are comfortable being around you, communication pathways stay open.
RESOURCES
Center for Parent & Teen Communication
The Center for Parent & Teen Communication helps parents and caring adults prepare teens to thrive. They focus on communication, building character, and health & prevention in teens.

Check out their website here.
QUOTE CORNER
Quotes About the
Love Notes Curriculum
“Love Notes helps. You can learn a lot from it. The things they teach makes me think about my future.”

– 15 year old student
Did you know? Free classes are offered for singles, couples, parents, and blended families along the Wasatch Front! Anyone can sign up at HealthyRelationshipsUtah.org 
Funding for this program was provided by the OPA Grant: TP1AH000232. Additional support was provided by Utah State University Extension. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the presenters/authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funders. Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination, including harassment. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see