Please note: Entries within this blog may contain references to instances of domestic abuse, dating abuse, sexual assault, abuse or harassment. At all times, Break the Cycle encourages readers to take whatever precautions necessary to protect themselves emotionally and psychologically.  If you would like to speak with an advocate, please contact a 24/7 peer advocate at 866-331-9474  or text “loveis” to 22522.

Real Stories: The Relationship Blog

December 07, 2018
The 2019 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month theme is officially here!





BUT how in the word did we come up with that?

Well..earlier this year, a young person named Zachary Mallory from Kansas City, MO submitted an idea to Break the Cycle’s 2019 Teen Dating Violence Awareness… Read More
August 03, 2018
In 1994, Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994, the first federal law designed to end violence against women. Recognizing the severity of the crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, leadership from both sides of the aisle worked together to enact… Read More
May 29, 2018
Being in an abusive relationship can cause one to feel like they have lost their sense of self. When I was in unhealthy relationships, I would often disown the parts of me that my partner didn’t like. Either he would outright express his dislike of an aspect of my personality or he would do so… Read More
April 17, 2018
blog title - from friends to more: leveling up a relationship
When talking with young people, one of the questions that Break the Cycle often gets is how to take your relationship to the next level. Many of these questions are about how to let a friend know that you want to be more than friends, letting a partner know that you are ready for the next stage of… Read More
April 02, 2018
blog title - how social media changes relationships
This is Real Stories – a blog by Let’s Be Real members about their experiences with relationships, dating, and more. LBR is a movement by young people for young people about relationships.

In today’s world, with the array of dating apps and social media platforms, it is pretty easy to… Read More
March 20, 2018
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Since the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida last month, students have been at the forefront of the debate over gun control in the U.S., and their voices are making a difference. Earlier this month, less than three weeks after the Parkland mass shooting, the first gun control law since the Parkland… Read More
March 07, 2018
is being possessive a sign of love?
Dating abuse starts even younger than you think, and in teen relationships can be a common occurrence. Many young people perceive a partner’s controlling behavior as love or affection, when it is often the first sign of an abusive relationship. My story started in seventh grade when I met Jared*… Read More
February 28, 2018
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The beginning of a new relationship can feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s a unique time where you learn about your partner, explore each other’s wants and needs, and spend quality time together. During this period, you begin building trust and figuring out where the relationship can go in the… Read More
February 21, 2018
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Spending a lot of time together in a new relationship is normal and fun. You are getting to know each other on a deeper level, emotionally and sometimes physically. You may get the “stars in your eyes, let’s only hang out with each other” type feeling because this person makes you feel attractive… Read More
February 15, 2018
Among the many obstacles you may face in relationships, determining when your partner crosses the line can be a tricky one. This line may be one that you’ve talked about, or one that you haven’t opened up about yet. Either way, your values and feelings are important.

If a partner uses words to… Read More
February 08, 2018
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At some point in dating or a relationship, the topic of sex might come up. When there is open communication, respect, and trust, sex can be a comfortable and enjoyable experience. If you aren’t ready for sex, saying “no” or “I’m not ready” is still perfectly fine because there is mutual respect…. Read More
January 16, 2018
title image: Aziz Ansari and many other men
This blog post is originally from abbyhonold.com and all rights are reserved to the author. Abby is a rape survivor/thriver + sexual assault advocate. Her work includes fighting for a bill to expand the use of trauma-informed techniques in responding to sexual assault. Thank you… Read More
January 11, 2018
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault advocates collectively raised our fists together in solidarity with the #TimesUp movement makers at the 2018 Golden Globes. This is yet another headline grabbing moment when celebrities and activists are united to bring urgent attention to the epidemic of of… Read More
December 27, 2017
Have a relationship question you really want answered, but aren’t sure who to ask? Let’s Be Real members host Taco Bout It Tuesday, a weekly show where we answer your relationship questions on the platform that you use daily: Snapchat! Our questions come from in-person events, Real Talks, and our… Read More
December 19, 2017
healthy me, healthy we. teen dv month 2018
UPDATE – 2.5.18 – Congratulations to Michaela R., our contest winner! Purchase our official Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month shirt here. 

Continuing our tradition from 2017’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we launched a special contest for our community of activists and… Read More
November 06, 2017
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This is Real Stories – a blog by Let’s Be Real members about their experiences with relationships, dating, and more. LBR is a movement by young people for young people about relationships.

The word “relationship” has an infinite amount of meanings. The first definition to come to mind… Read More
October 24, 2017
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Me too. Two simple words now have a larger meaning. They represent empathy and solidarity; cries of pain coupled with resilience; the experiences of so many.

You’ve read and seen the endless stories on your timelines. You are shocked and appalled. Or perhaps, just appalled, because the epidemic… Read More
September 27, 2017
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When we think about sex, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a hot, steamy make-out session or the typical P and V sex we see in porn. Others may start daydreaming about somebody you find attractive or possibly recoil at the thought of intimacy. But what many people don’t consider is… Read More
September 06, 2017
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With September in full swing, it’s time to trade our beach reads for textbooks, pack our bags, and prepare for the start of a new semester at college. For some of you, the end of summer does not just mean saying dramatic goodbyes to your pet or bracing yourself for dining hall food, it also means… Read More
August 29, 2017
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July 2017 marked the one year anniversary of Let’s Be Real, a movement by young people for young people about relationships. To share our learnings from a year of movement-making and celebrate the accomplishments of the youth who drive it, Break the Cycle staff members reflects on their experiences… Read More

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