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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.
Going back to school means new possibilities at every corner – new classes, new friendships, new teachers, new relationships. It’s important to make sure your relationships are A+ quality! That means open communication and respecting boundaries when it comes to dating, time, sex, talking, and other parts of your relationship. Break the Cycle’s CEO gave us a great breakdown of what A+ Relationships mean to her last week. This week we’ll hear about A+ Relationships from Let’s Be Real members: Abraham and Nathan. The brothers get real about the first day of school and why A+ Relationships don’t have to follow the norms.
Abraham, Middle School Student – Los Angeles, CA
What was your back to school experience like?
My first day of school was really fun because I was able to see my friends. It was cool because all my classes were very easy and my teachers were very nice!
What do you think about when you hear A+ Relationships?
An A+ Relationship to me is being nice to the other person and not being bossy and even letting the other person be friends with whoever they want.
What’s the hardest part of having an A+ Relationship?
I would say the hardest part is trusting each other.
How would you tell someone you had a crush on them?
I would pass them a note!
Why do you think learning about A+ Relationships is important?
Even though we’re young, we still have boyfriends and girlfriends. It’s important for us to learn about relationships.
Nathan, High School Student – Los Angeles, CA
What was your back to school experience like?
It’s my first year in high school; the environment was friendly, and I felt like I had been going there already. People were very respectful. I talked to a lot of people and made new friends. It’s a huge transition from middle school. I wasn’t nervous on the first day at all. I’m really excited to be at school and look forward to getting up in the morning to go everyday.
What do you think about when you hear A+ Relationships?
First thing that comes to mind is “no cheating”- you know like when you cheat on a test you won’t get an A, if you cheat in a relationship like making each other jealous, mad, or upset that’s not going to be a good relationship. You should be trusting, not worried and jealous. You should also not be controlling or think you have to change for people – be yourself, be happy!
What are your A+ Relationship tips?
It’s okay to do things differently, sometimes different is better. For example everyone thinks you have to share passwords, you don’t have to do everything people tell you is normal. Normal can be not sharing passwords.