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 The Family |
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I never did understand how this one word could posses such strength and power in one's life. Relationships. Take a moment to think about it. It really doesn't sound like such a magnificent word, but yet it affects our lives in so many different ways. What confuses me the most is the relationship shared between a guy and a girl. That's a major cause of stress in my life, and I'm sure in others. It seems like teenagers put the most emphasis on that, especially teenage girls that I know. |
| I have a friend that I've known for years, and I absolutely love her to death. But she is the perfect example of what I don't comprehend. Every time she dates a guy she puts her whole life on hold. Friends and family no longer exist; instead the entire world revolves around him. And of course the relationship will end and she'll come running to the same old friend who was forgotten about. I'll be there to wipe the tears and listen, but it should never get this far.
I constantly ask myself "What is the reason for girls acting this way? Do I act like that with boys?" I see girls bend over backwards for there boyfriends all the time. And the relationships always end up the same way, DEAD! You'd think a change a of attitude would occur, but it never does. So instead of over analyzing, I thought of a way to talk to her about it. One day I sat her down and calmly explained the change I noticed in her behavior. Then I gave examples of specific things she would do to please him and ignore me. And she sat quietly and listened to every word I said. I felt like I had accomplished something, like she completely understood my message. So why did the cycle continue with the next boyfriend? |
The reality is that some male partners in relationships try to control and dominate the other. Even though this situation might not seem like a form of abuse, in some aspects it is. In today's society, it is expected of men to take on a tough, macho, aggressive attitude. Sometimes it's taken to far, with men feeling the need to keep girls under control. This behavior is often beneficial to the abuser, because it empowers him, makes him feel good about himself. |
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| Many people assume that when you speak about abuse, it involves physical acts of violence. That's not always the case. There are other forms of abuse such as emotional and sexual abuse. When your boyfriend constantly puts you down, calls you names, or prohibits you from spending time with friend and family, that's a form of abuse. Or when being forced to perform sexual acts under you will is also abuse. Girls must know this treatment is not O.K.
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