Being in a Relationship

Let’s Be Real

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Back in 2016, Break the Cycle launched Let’s Be Real to give young people a megaphone for honest conversations about dating, boundaries, and building healthy connections. While the movement might not be as active as it once was, its mission lives on: helping you see what healthy, drama-free relationships should look like.


Original Purpose of Let’s Be Real

Let’s Be Real wasn’t just another teen support group. It was a movement built completely by young people, for young people. In 2016, 22 passionate teens from across the country came together to create something special. They picked the name, designed the logo, and made sure everything represented their vision.

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Their goal was to build a safe space where teens could talk about anything and everything related to dating. 

Want to discuss your first crush? Struggling with a messy breakup? Confused about sexuality? 

Let’s Be Real was the place where no topic was off-limits. Young people could share their experiences, learn from each other, and feel completely supported.

If you’re looking for resources and tools related to teen dating and abuse, check our Community Tools & Training page.


Helpful Resources for Teens

Whether you’re dealing with a nasty breakup or trying to figure out if your relationship is growing toxic, we’ve got your back. Here’s our handpicked collection of articles that’ll help you navigate the wild world of dating and relationships.

1. Healthy relationships

Ready to level up your relationship? These articles will show you what a healthy relationship actually looks like (spoiler alert: it’s not what you see on Love Island), and give you the real tips you need to build one that doesn’t make you want to move to a desert island:


2. Teen dating violence statistics

Sometimes love can hurt — and not in the Taylor Swift song kind of way. These articles break down the real facts about teen dating violence, so you can spot the warning signs and know exactly when it’s time to reach out for help:


3. Communicating boundaries

Setting boundaries isn’t being dramatic — it’s about having enough respect for yourself to say “nope, not cool” when something doesn’t feel right. Whether you’re trying to tell your partner to stop blowing up your phone 24/7 or need help saying no to that “you up?” text, we’ve got your back with real ways to speak up without the drama:


4. Navigating breakups

Breaking up might feel like the end of the world (cue the sad playlist and ice cream) but trust me — you’ll get through this and come out stronger on the other side. We are your ultimate survival guide for dealing with everything from the initial heartbreak to handling those awkward run-ins with your ex:


5. Identifying unhealthy relationship signs

That gut feeling telling you something’s off in your relationship? Yeah, you should listen to it. These articles will help you spot those sneaky red flags that pop up in toxic relationships, so you can figure out what’s normal relationship drama and what’s definitely not okay:


Resources for Further Support

Relationships get complicated, and sometimes you need more than just advice from your group chat. 

Some of you may just now be starting out in the world of romance, so check out our collection of articles about getting into a relationship. Parents, you can help your teens as they dip their toes into the dating pool with our resources for parents.

If this isn’t your first rodeo, though, and you’re navigating a current romance, our guides to being in a relationship can help you make sure it’s a safe, healthy, and fulfilling one.

Not all relationships are safe and healthy, unfortunately. That’s why it’s important to understand the complexities of dating and relationship abuse. Our Community Tools & Training page is packed with trusted support links and help when you need it most. No judgment here — just real talk and real help.

Sometimes, you try to connect with someone and it just doesn’t work out. Don’t worry — there are plenty more fish in the sea than ever came out of it. Work through your breakup with our guides to ending a relationship

We can help you move on with dignity and hope, so you’re ready for your next romantic adventure.


Author

  • Edwin Maina is a storyteller at heart, with a background in broadcast journalism and advertising. When he's not crafting compelling narratives about love and relationships, you'll find him tending to his flock of Saanen goats and Dorper sheep—because if there's one thing he knows, it's that both animals and humans thrive on care and connection. As a youth mentor at his local church, Edwin also draws on his diverse experiences to offer wisdom on navigating life's challenges, including the ever-intriguing world of dating.

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