Love and relationships
Relationships are like a bond or a connection between different people. Having a relationship with someone doesn’t always mean you’re a couple: all relationships are different. There are relationships between lovers, between friends and between family members, for example. Some relationships make you feel good, while others may make you feel bad.
Are you into someone but don’t know how to talk to them? Are you having a hard time at home? Did you say something you regret in a fight with a friend? Were you dumped, or do you want to break up with someone? Do you struggle with jealousy? Or maybe you just want to talk about your relationships? Relationships are a big part of our lives and one of the most common topics we chat about. We’re used to talking about relationships, family, friendship and love. Drop by and chat with us anonymously – we’re here for you.
Being in love
Being in love can be amazing! Love can make you feel all kinds of things in your body: butterflies, warmth, a sense of calm or joy. Maybe it’s hard to focus because all you can think about is that special person. But you can also feel nervous or sad. Especially if you don’t know whether they feel the same way. When you’re around the person you’re in love with, you can feel both super nervous and on top of the world. Not being able to talk about it can be hard.
Who do we fall in love with?
It’s hard to know why we fall for some people but not others. Maybe it’s someone’s voice or scent, what they’re like or the things they talk about. Pretty often, we’re surprised ourselves by who we fall in love with! Sometimes you think you know exactly what kind of people you like, only to fall in love with someone completely different. Or you think you should like people of a certain gender, but then fall head over heels for someone of another gender. It’s very normal to feel confused by your own feelings. It’s impossible to control who you fall in love with – but you’re the only one who gets to decide who you want to be in love with.
Fights
People don’t always feel or think the same thing. This can lead to misunderstandings or fights. There’s rarely just one right or wrong way to look at things, and that is okay – as long as our behaviour doesn’t hurt the other. Misunderstandings and fights can suck, especially in relationships with people you care about.
It can be hard to understand or accept someone else’s feelings. Especially when you’re feeling sad, angry or afraid. Talking to someone can make it easier to understand both how others feel and why you yourself feel the way you feel.
Loneliness
If you’re feeling lonely, know that you’re not the only one. Realising that can make the burden of loneliness a little less heavy to carry. When you’re feeling lonely, it can be good to talk about it with someone else. Which is why we’re here: you’re always welcome to come chat with us. We’re here to listen to you and support you. Maybe you feel like no one likes you? Or that your friends are shutting you out? No matter what you’re dealing with, we’re here for you. You can be completely anonymous when chatting with us.
Jealousy
Jealousy is also not your partner’s fault. It’s a feeling that comes from inside of you. Often, it’s linked to previous relationships you’ve had. Maybe someone who mattered to you disappointed you once? Feeling jealous can be really hard. Many people who feel jealous want to control their partner – what they do, what they wear, who they hang out or text with. But controlling your partner probably won’t make you feel less jealous: it will only make them feel uncomfortable. That’s why it’s good to ask for help to learn how to deal with jealousy. You can even get to a point where you no longer feel jealous.
If you recognise yourself in any of this, try talking to someone who will listen and support you. You can always turn to us. We’re here for you – whether you feel jealous yourself or whether you’re dating someone who’s often jealous. Talking to someone can make things easier, for you and others. We’re here for you – both in our chat and at our support centre!
What’s (not) alright in a family?
No one has the right to call you names, touch your body in a sexual way, hurt you physically, lock you up or prevent you from going to school, for example. Your guardians are responsible for your wellbeing, for making sure you have clothes to wear, a place to live and enough to eat, and that you get help when you’re sick. You also have the right to a private life. If you’re wondering whether you’re being treated the way you should, you can talk to us. We’ll support you and help you reflect. Chat with us anonymously!