Relationship Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions are wonderful things! They’re a promise to yourself to do better in the coming year and can fill you with motivation.
My resolutions always seem to involve more exercise. But one of my friends is taking on a different path with his 2012 resolution. He has vowed to pay closer attention to his daughter’s relationships as she enters the dating world. He’s scared she’s going to go for the “bad boy” – and he’s got plenty of reason to be concerned.
Many of the girls who receive care at Boys Town have a long list of reasons why they don’t trust others, especially men. They’ve been lied to, cheated on and abused. For many, their self-esteem has been damaged or is non-existent when they come to Boys Town.
As a parent, you are the first line of defense in protecting your daughter. Here are some of the tell-tale signs of an abusive relationship you should watch for:
- Your daughter is attracted to boys who are powerful and dangerous (the “bad boy” reputation).
- Her relationship seems to isolate her from family and friends.
- She has a fierce loyalty to her boyfriend. Your daughter thinks he is perfect and could never do anything wrong. (This is why girls usually blame themselves for any abuse that occurs.)
- Your daughter has a passive-aggressive personality.
- She tends to view religion as a cure-all to her relationship problems. For example, she thinks God will transform her boyfriend into someone who treats her better.
Learn more with our Relationships Parenting Guide on parenting.org.
If you’re concerned about your daughter’s relationship with a boy, call the Boys Town National HotlineSM at 1-800-448-3000 anytime to speak with our trained counselors. They’ll help you get a conversation started with your daughter that can help her have a safe, happier 2012.
