My turn to BOLD things in that article. . .

But first. . .
Now with that out of the way. . .
Nationally, one in three teenagers report knowing a friend who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped, choked or physically hurt by their boyfriend or girlfriend (What they don't tell you is that all of those people know the same girl). Whether you know them personally or not, teens at your own school are in unhealthy relationships involving control, physical abuse and other behaviors that can follow them into adulthood as perpetrators or victims of relationship abuse.In an effort to spread awareness of this often overlooked issue, Congress unanimously passed a resolution to recognize the week of February 4- 8 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week across the nation.Teen dating abuse isn' an argument every once in a while, or a bad mood after a bad day. Dating or relationship abuse is a pattern of controlling and abusive behavior. It can cause injury and even death, and though these are often the stories that make the news, it doesn't have to be physical. It can be verbal and emotional abuse - constant insults, isolation from family and friends (hey, you don't let me hang out with anyone else), controlling what someone wears (*cough* green shirt*cough*), and sexual assault. A 2007 survey from Teenage Research Unlimited found that 71% of teens regard boyfriends/girlfriends spreading rumors about them on cell phones and social networking sites as a serious problem (so you better stop posting junk about me on this website). Another 68% of teens say boyfriends/girlfriends sharing private or embarrassing pictures/videos on cell phones and computers is also a serious concern.In its first year of operation, loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline has already seen a steady stream of calls and chats from both teens and parents.

These are some questions that can help you decide if your relationship is healthy or not.
Does your boyfriend/girlfriend:
Look at you or act in ways that scare you? (you might want to define this one, using the D word shouldn't count towards this one)
Act jealous or possessive? (Mrs. President of the ALA)
Put you down or criticize you? (You call me FAT)
Try to control where you go, what you wear or what you do? (*cough* Green shirt, Kings game, Making me come home for summer *cough*)
Text or IM you excessively? (I have never done this)
Blame you for “making” them treat you badly? (At least you know that it's your fault)
Threaten to kill or hurt you or themselves if you leave them? (You don't threaten me, you threaten anyone that I would be dating)
Try to stop you from seeing or talking to friends and family? (What if I try to stop myself?)
Try to force or guilt you into sexual activity? (*cough* IDIOT *cough*)

Getting help for yourself or a friend may be the most important way you can commemorate Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week this year. If you answered yes to even one of these questions, consider talking to a peer advocate (DUDE! They've got peer advocates! It's going to be like a teen version of Judge Judy! When I think advocate I think lawyer.) by calling 1-866-331-9474 (1-866-331-8453 TTY) or chatting at