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Everyone has to acknowledge that relationships are a vital aspect of sexual health and healthy lifestyles. Whether romantic of familial, casual or passing, relationships help us to identify who we are in contrast to others. Planned Parenthood is a great resource for teenagers who are in confusing situations, and who need support with difficult interpersonal decisions. Advice online ranges from determining if a given relationship is good for you, to figuring out if you are safe in a relationship, and relationship responsibilities.
The following is a list of common concerns that teenagers have about sexual health, and whom to consult:
Sex, birth control (Planned Parenthood)
Divorce, abuse (School counselor)
Rape, sexual abuse (Police, or Planned Parenthood)
Any issue can be resolved for teenagers if they are willing to address it with the correct authorities on the topic. Though everyone would like to be happy in relationships, and to build trust and intimacy, some people have a lot of questions and barriers that need to be addressed with therapists before they can safely open up to new partners. People must learn what makes any relationship unhealthy, or healthy, for them on a personal level. Something that could be construed as abuse to one person might be welcome by another, but in general, healthy and unhealthy relationships are easy to determine, even if ‘abuse’ is not.
Relationships come with certain obligations and responsibilities that partners must acknowledge if they are to be successful. Following through with commitments is an important aspect of interpersonal and sexual health. Though STDs and birth control are easy to research online, a true authority on sexual health, like Planned Parenthood or a trusted counselor, is necessary to determine relationship boundaries if a teenager is uncertain of his or her role. With a little luck and a lot of work, most relationships can work out and be happy, that is, if they have the initial spark!

