Jen and Mark met for the first time in their Block 1 art class. As they worked together on art projects they began to know each other better and started to talk about more personal things. As their friendship grew they started to realize that they were increasingly attracted to each other. They started to date and spend more and more time together and found that they could communicate openly and honestly. But several months later, it became apparent to Jen that Mark was changing. His way of talking to her, his treatment of her (not only when they were alone but also around their other friends) and even the physical aspects of their relationship were all taking what might be called an unhealthy direction. Jen, and several of her other friends were starting to realize that she might have to end this relationship. Jen decided to give Mark a while longer to change his behaviours and even told him how she felt when he said and did some of the things that were a problem for her. Mark said that he was sorry and began telling her that he could not imagine life without her. Things did not change and in fact Mark became increasingly more controlling, insisting that she not spend time with her friends and pressuring her to have sex. So Jen decided that she could no longer remain in the relationship. One or two of her friends who had been urging her to break up with mark were relieved. They offered to help her find the “best way” to end the relationship. Questions: -Why might she find it difficult to easily end this relationship? -Despite how difficult the breaking up process might be, why is it importantt hat she proceeds with it? - If you were one of Jen’s friends, what advice would you give to her about handling the break-up?

Jen and Mark met for the first time in their Block 1 art class. As they worked together on art projects they began to know each other better and started to talk about more personal things. As their friendship grew they started to realize that they were increasingly attracted to each other. They started to date and spend more and more time together and found that they could communicate openly and honestly. But several months later, it became apparent to Jen that Mark was changing. His way of talking to her, his treatment of her (not only when they were alone but also around their other friends) and even the physical aspects of their relationship were all taking what might be called an unhealthy direction. Jen, and several of her other friends were starting to realize that she might have to end this relationship. Jen decided to give Mark a while longer to change his behaviours and even told him how she felt when he said and did some of the things that were a problem for her. Mark said that he was sorry and began telling her that he could not imagine life without her. Things did not change and in fact Mark became increasingly more controlling, insisting that she not spend time with her friends and pressuring her to have sex. So Jen decided that she could no longer remain in the relationship. One or two of her friends who had been urging her to break up with mark were relieved. They offered to help her find the “best way” to end the relationship.

Questions:

-Why might she find it difficult to easily end this relationship?

-Despite how difficult the breaking up process might be, why is it importantt hat she proceeds with it?

- If you were one of Jen’s friends, what advice would you give to her about handling the break-up?