Your Relationships

Relationships are the connections we have with other people. These connections might be with your family, friends, classmates, co-workers, support staff, romantic partners, or even people you meet online.

Some relationships are close. Others are more casual. The most important thing is that your relationships make you feel safe, respected, and good about yourself.

Why Relationships Matter

Healthy relationships help us feel:

  • Cared for
  • Connected
  • Safe
  • Supported
  • Happy

What’s Healthy and What’s Not?

  • Both people feel good about themselves
  • People speak kindly to and about each other
  • There’s honesty and trust
  • You both take responsibility for your actions
  • You feel safe sharing how you feel
  • You’re allowed to say no and have your own space
  • Problems are noticed and worked through together
  • There is equal decision-making power

  • One person controls or pressures the other
  • There is name-calling, put-downs, or threats
  • One person blames the other for everything
  • You don’t feel safe being honest
  • People ignore or avoid problems
  • There is violence, manipulation, or guilt-tripping
  • The relationship makes you feel bad about yourself

Good to know

How Relationships Can Change Over Time

Your relationships may change throughout your life. You might:

  • Move into a group home or live on your own
  • Start new friendships or say goodbye to old ones
  • Try dating
  • Get married or form a long-term relationship
  • Become a parent
  • Have a relationship that ends

These changes are normal. Some feel exciting. Some feel hard. You’re allowed to have all kinds of feelings—and support is always available.

Friendships

Friends are people you enjoy spending time with who aren’t your family or staff. A friend might be:

  • A co-worker
  • Someone from a club, sports team, or art group
  • Someone from your place of worship
  • Someone you met online (more on that below)

Common Questions About Friendship

They might:

  • Smile at you
  • Ask questions to get to know you
  • Invite you to do activities together
  • Want to spend time with you

Getting to know someone takes time. Doing something fun together—like a movie or game—can help friendships grow.

If they don’t smile, don’t talk, or walk away when you try to connect, they may not be interested in friendship. That’s okay—not everyone will want to be close friends. You can move on and meet new people.

A good friend is:

  • Kind
  • Honest
  • Supportive
  • A good listener
  • Someone who makes you feel safe and happy

Good to know

Support workers, teachers, and staff are not your friends—even if they are friendly. Their role is professional, and they’re not allowed to date you. This boundary helps keep everyone safe.

Scenario: What Would You Do?

Emily wants to make new friends. Since leaving school, she’s had a hard time meeting people her own age. Her co-workers are all much older, and she doesn’t feel she has much in common with them.

Q: How can Emily meet new friends?

Emily could try joining a club or group for something she enjoys, like sports, games, or music. These activities are a great way to meet people with shared interests.

Q: How does Emily get to know new people?

She can ask simple, friendly questions like:

  • “What do you like to do for fun?”
  • “Do you like movies?”
  • “What’s your favourite game or show?”

Emily should avoid asking very personal questions right away.

Q: How might Emily feel if someone doesn’t want to be her friend?

Emily might feel sad or upset—but she also knows that not everyone will want to be friends, and that’s okay. Making friends takes time.

Dating and Romantic Feelings

Dating is when people with romantic or sexual feelings for each other spend time together. This might mean going out for coffee, a walk, or to the movies.
Some people date. Some don’t. It’s always your choice.

Common Questions About Dating

A crush means having romantic or loving feelings for someone. You might:

  • Think about them a lot
  • Feel shy, excited, or giddy around them
  • Daydream about dating them

You don’t have to act on your feelings. You don’t need to ask them out if you’re not ready.
You may be attracted to someone but remember, staring or following someone isn’t respectful—it can make others uncomfortable.

  • Sometimes dating starts as friendship
  • You might have a crush and decide to ask the person on a date
  • Some people meet through online dating or apps, including some made for people with disabilities

If someone says “no,” that’s their choice. You can’t ask again or follow them. You may feel sad or rejected—but it’s a normal part of dating. You deserve kindness, and so do they.

Online Dating Tip: You choose how much you share about yourself. Stay safe by meeting in public and telling someone where you’re going.

Scenario: What Would You Do?

Joe has a crush! They met someone while working at the library, and now they feel excited—but also nervous. Joe’s family has told them dating isn’t safe and that family should come first.

Q: Should Joe tell their family?

If Joe feels safe, they can choose to share. Picking a calm time and writing their thoughts down first may help.

Q: What if their family keeps saying no?

Joe can explain that they want to try dating, and agree to check in often. Joe has the right to make their own choices in a safe and healthy relationship.

Q: Who else can Joe talk to?

Friends, a support worker, or a counsellor can help Joe figure out how to talk to their family and feel supported. Click here to learn more about relationships.

Sexual Relationships and Consent

Some dating relationships become sexual relationships. Like any relationship, a healthy sexual relationship includes:

Good to know

Sex without consent is called sexual assault. If this happens to you, you get to decide what to do next. A doctor, counselor, or support line can help. Call or text 1-866-403-8000 for free, private help.
  • Respect
  • Shared decision-making
  • Clear, honest communication
  • Consent

What is Consent?

Consent means:

  • Asking before doing something
  • Waiting for a clear answer
  • Getting a “yes” or “no”
  • Accepting the answer

You can change your mind at any time. If there’s no consent, it’s not safe or respectful.

Watch Consent and Sexual Relationships: Sexuality and People with Developmental Disabilities to learn more about consent.

Read more about Communicating Consent.

How do I know if I’m ready for sex?

You may be ready if you:

  • Feel good about your body and boundaries
  • Can talk openly with a partner
  • Understand safer sex and birth control
  • Can say/show “yes” or “no” with confidence
  • Are in a healthy, respectful relationship

If you’re unsure, talk to a trusted adult or health care provider.

Online Relationships

Many people make friends or start dating online. That’s okay—as long as it’s safe and respectful.

Online Safety Tips

  • Be kind, just like you would in person
  • Don’t share private information too soon
  • Always get consent before sending sexual pictures or messages
  • Remember: online is not fully private, even if it feels like it
  • If someone pressures or threatens you online, talk to a trusted adult or the police

When Relationships End

Not all relationships last forever. That’s normal.
Sometimes they change, or sometimes it’s best to end them.

Signs a relationship is ending:

  • You stop hearing from the person
  • One of you moves away
  • It stops being fun
  • The relationship feels unhealthy or stressful

Ending a Relationship

How do I break up with someone?

  • If it’s safe, talk in person
  • Keep it short, kind, and clear
  • Stay calm—even if the other person is upset

It’s okay to feel sad. It’s also okay to feel relieved.

Dealing with Rejection and Loneliness

Everyone feels rejected sometimes. If someone doesn’t want to be your friend or date, that doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It just means they made a choice—and you get to make choices too.

You Deserve Healthy Relationships

Every person—no matter their age, ability, or experience—deserves relationships that feel safe, kind, and respectful.

You have the right to:

  • Set your own boundaries
  • Choose who you spend time with
  • Say yes or no to friendship, dating, or intimacy
  • Ask questions and learn at your own pace
  • Get support when something doesn’t feel right

Relationships can bring joy, connection, and comfort. They can also be confusing or challenging at times. That’s okay. Learning about yourself, your needs, and what makes a relationship healthy is part of growing—and you’re doing that right now.

Want to keep learning?

  • Explore Healthy Sexuality – Learn more about your body, boundaries, and choices
  • Learn About Consent – Understand how to give, get, and talk about consent
  • Visit a clinic or calk to someone you trust – It’s okay to ask for support

You are not alone on this journey. And there’s no “right” time or “perfect” way to learn.
You’re allowed to take your time. You’re allowed to ask for help.

And you’re allowed to choose what’s best for you.