Friendship and Dating : Practice Questions

In a healthy friendship, which of the following actions best demonstrates empathy towards a friend who is going through a difficult time?

In a text discussing the evolution of a romantic relationship, the author mentions that the couple is currently 'testing the waters.' In the context of Friendship and Dating, what does this phrase most likely suggest about their behavior?

Chloe has been a steadfast friend to Maya for over five years. Maya frequently finds herself in tumultuous romantic relationships, and each time, Chloe is her primary confidante. Maya calls Chloe at all hours, detailing every argument, every minor disagreement, and constantly seeks validation or advice. Chloe, though supportive, has noticed a pattern: Maya rarely takes her advice, often goes back to the same problematic partners, or quickly jumps into another equally volatile relationship, only to restart the cycle of distress and reliance on Chloe. Lately, Chloe feels emotionally drained and wonders if her friendship with Maya is sustainable, given its heavy and unreciprocated emotional burden.

What is the most likely underlying issue causing this recurring dynamic in Maya and Chloe's friendship?

In the study of Friendship and Dating, if two people are said to have a "mutual" understanding, what does this imply about their relationship?

Your close friend consistently cancels plans at the last minute, causing you to feel frustrated and disrespected. What is the most constructive way to address this recurring issue?

Describe one effective communication strategy couples can employ to resolve disagreements in a dating relationship.

You have received an email from a peer, Chris, who is concerned about managing their social life. Chris recently started dating, and they feel their old friendships are suffering because of the time commitment required for the new relationship.

Read Chris's email excerpt below:

Subject: Need Advice: Dating vs. Friends

Hi, I'm really happy with my new boyfriend/girlfriend, but I feel like I'm constantly cancelling plans with my friends, especially my best friend, Alex. They keep saying I need to "make more time" for them, but finding a balance is so hard. When I'm with my friends, I feel guilty about not spending time with my partner, and vice versa. I don't want to lose my friends, but dating is important too. What should I do?

As a peer counsellor, write a response to Chris addressing the following points:

(a) Identify TWO different communicative strategies Chris could use when speaking to Alex to reassure them about the value of their friendship, and provide one appropriate phrase for each strategy. (2 points)

(b) Suggest TWO practical, time-management solutions Chris can implement to successfully "find a balance" between dating and friendship. (2 points)

The student council of your school is launching a new initiative called 'Connect & Thrive' to help students navigate the complexities of their social lives. As a peer mentor, you have been asked to write an advisory article for the school's online forum, focusing on the impact of social media on friendships and early dating relationships among teenagers.

Your article should cover the following:

(a) Analyse the multifaceted impact of social media on how teenagers form, maintain, and resolve conflicts in friendships and early romantic relationships. Provide specific examples to illustrate both positive and negative aspects.

(b) Identify what you consider to be the single most significant challenge social media poses to healthy teenage relationships, and explain in detail why this particular challenge is so difficult for young people to overcome.

(c) Propose at least three practical strategies or pieces of advice that teenagers can implement to foster genuine connections and navigate the digital landscape responsibly, ensuring their relationships remain strong and healthy.