Why relationships are important

We have all heard that you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family! This is true so make sure you choose your friends carefully. They should make you feel good about yourself, and not encourage you to do anything that you don’t want to do.

The friends you make now may be the ones you have for life, so be a good friend to them, and try and sort out any differences by talking to them.

Sometimes relationships go through bad patches, this is quite normal and there is usually a way to make things better although you may feel at the time that you never want to see the person again!

Sometimes a bad relationship can have a very different effect on the way you feel. You may feel confused or angry with yourself or the other person. If you feel too angry or someone is treating you very badly, you may need to speak to someone.

One of the things you can do to keep your relationships healthy – and this will help when you are ready to have a boyfriend/girlfriend is to COMMUNICATE.

Your opinion matters and if someone is making you feel bad, then you should tell them. Just because someone is older than you does not mean they are necessarily right! If you don’t feel you can speak to them, try calling one of the numbers at the bottom of the page.

Further help and information

Three Towns Healthy Living - 01294 466901
Childline - 0800 11 11
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline – 0808 800 5000
Family Mediation - 01563 572 429

Why relationships are important as you get older

Life is made up of many different relationships with those around us – our partners, family, friends, workmates and neighbours.

Each relationship we form is unique. As we get older most of us find ourselves with more free time on our hands. We may be retired, or working fewer hours, and our family will have grown up and moved out of the home. Maintaining good relationships with family and friends is as important now as ever! Keeping social relationships as active as possible will stop us feeling lonely, bored or isolated.

A good relationship should make you feel loved and wanted, which in turn will make you feel positive and comfortable about yourself. Having a happy positive relationship will make you feel good! This in turn is good for your emotional health.

An unhealthy relationship can have a negative effect on the way you feel. You may become confused or angry about bad feelings towards yourself, or the other person. And you may gradually begin to feel trapped, depressed and worthless.

Communication is key, with friends and family members. Make your feelings clear, and ask for help if you are not being listened to.

Some tips for better communication:

• Try and explain your feelings clearly to others.
• Listen to other people’s point of view, even if you don’t agree try to keep your cool!
• Confide in someone else if you are unable to talk to the person involved. A family member, friend or your doctor will be happy to listen.
• Regular interaction with friends and family is good for you and boosts your emotional well-being.
• Joining a local group and getting active is a good idea and will help you keep busy and meet new people.

Further help and information
Three Towns Healthy Living - 01294 466901
Scottish Marriage Care - 01294 551210 (for counselling)
Counselling Ayrshire - 01292 671032 (for one-to-one counselling)
Help the Aged Seniorline - 0808 800 65 65 (freephone)
Age Concern - 01292 265 304
Women’s Aid - 01294 602 424 (24hrs)

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