What ‘Real Love Repects’ Means In Teen Dating Relationships

For many of us, we experience our first dating relationships as teenagers. The idea of love and dating can be so exciting, especially as you enter your first relationship.  As exciting as it can be, navigating dating can also be confusing when you are unsure what a healthy relationship might look like. 

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and this year's theme is Real Love Respects. The question is, however, what does that look like in a teen dating relationship?

A healthy relationship should have open and clear communication. This means being able to share your thoughts and feelings without being judged. In a relationship, it is important to listen to one another and to really hear what they are telling you. It is important to be honest in relationships and feel comfortable saying “no” when something doesn’t feel right.

Love should feel safe, supportive, and empowering! When dating, you should look for a partner who wants to support your thoughts, dreams, and feelings. A supportive partner is someone who gives you advice when needed but also gives you the space to make your own decisions. It is important to have clear boundaries in relationships. Boundaries help set limitations on what you are and are not comfortable with. Real Love Respects means that you should not feel pressured or guilted into doing anything you do not want to do. 

When you start dating, it is important not to lose yourself in the relationship. This means that you should still find time to do the things you love. If you have a hobby, make sure to spend time each week still partaking in it. It can also be easy to push your friends away while in a relationship, but these relationships should also be a priority. Your friends are always going to be there for you, and they want to celebrate your happiness too. Continue to plan days that are just for you and your friends. Your independence is important. Therefore, if your relationship is respectful, your partner will not disapprove of this time or make you feel guilty for taking it. 

If your relationship does not feel supportive and respectful, you can seek support from a trusted adult, such as your parents or school counselor. You are not alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Real love should never make you feel afraid, controlled, or unsure of your worth. Healthy teen relationships are built on respect, communication, and trust, and everyone deserves that kind of love.

For more information, check out this year's action guide:

Love Is Respect. (2026). Love is respect action guide | 2025 teen dating violence awareness month 1. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. https://www.loveisrespect.org/wp-content/uploads/media/sites/3/2020/01/26-TDVAM-Action-Guide-v11.pdf