When you're in a sexual or romantic relationship, you might experience different kinds of pressure, either from within the relationship, or from other people. Relationship pressure can involve many different factors, including culture or race, age and maturity, family, religion, money, jealousy, mental illness, friends, living together, and sex.

Feeling the pressure? Here are some hints on how to handle it:

• Talk with your boyfriend or girlfriend about what you're feeling. 


• Spend time working on your relationship. Relationships are something you need to put time and energy into maintaining. 


• Talk to people who know your situation - like your parents and friends. 


• Talk to someone outside your friends or family - like a counselor. 


• Respect your differences. Differences are often what make a relationship great. 


• Hang out with someone other than your boyfriend/girlfriend. Make time for your friends and yourself.
  

Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.