Being single

There are good and bad sides to single life. The good thing is that when you're single you only have to worry about yourself. Your time is your own, so make the most of it. Go out and grab everything that life has to offer!

However, the down side is that being the only single person in your group can be isolating. You start to wonder why you haven't got a partner, and this can knock your self-esteem. When you get these thoughts, pamper yourself - get a new haircut or some new clothes - anything that makes you feel good about yourself.

Meeting someone new

If you want to get into a relationship, remember that there's someone out there that's right for you, so don't stress. And don't just settle for the first person who comes along!

You won't meet anyone if you always hang around in the same crowd. Expand your circle of friends. Take up a sport, do an activity or go clubbing. Put yourself in a situation where you're likely to meet the kind of person you'd like as a potential partner.

Accept there's no such thing as the perfect partner, but you can get pretty close. The essential qualities that make up your ideal mate may be something that you learn by trial and error. You're very unlikely to get it right first time. You'll soon learn what you find attractive and more importantly, what drives you mad.

Being able to talk and have a good laugh together is important, so look for someone with a similar outlook on life rather than someone who wears the latest designer labels!

What's right for you may not be right for your best friend. Don't let somebody else decide who you should fancy. Resist the temptation to go out with someone simply because it might boost your credibility. Look for the person who's right for you.

When a relationship ends – it's often a very sad time and you might want to talk to someone. There are organisations, youth groups and drop-in centres locally where you can talk to someone in confidence. You can also speak to a Connexions Personal Adviser.

Other relationships

One to one relationships don't just mean your love life. Some of the most important relationships in our lives don't involve romance – they can also be other friendships, families, or having a good relationship with a teacher or social worker.

Real arguments - the ones where both sides feel absolutely passionate about an issue - are an ordinary, healthy part of family life. Discussing a problem when it arises might make an argument, but it might not - so why not take a gamble? It’s good to get issues out in the open.

There is an art to getting what you want and it doesn't involve slamming the door, bribery or violence. First, state your case (why what you want should happen) calmly and clearly, and justify why you deserve it. Then, listen to the other side of the argument, without interrupting. Finally, try to reach a conclusion that each side is happy with - this might involve some compromising on your part, but you'll earn some respect for being reasonable and this will help next time you want something.

Also, if you need support – don’t rule out talking to your parents. Just because they're older than you are, it doesn't mean that your family has nothing to offer in terms of support, friendship or understanding. They may have gone through the same problems as you and may be able to offer their experience to help you through a difficult time. So next time there's something bothering you, have a quiet word - you might be surprised.

Remember, there are lots of people you can talk to if you are unhappy with any relationship – friends, family, local youth groups, drop-in centres, or your Connexions Personal Adviser.