By Ann Schurmann, M.P.H.

1. Have students read �Flying Solo: When Love Relationships Aren�t the Answer� then discuss the following questions:

• When it comes to being in a couple vs. being single, what are the values of our culture?
• Why might it feel bad not having a boyfriend or girlfriend when all your friends do?
• How can low self-esteem cause someone to become involved in relationships for the wrong reasons?
• How can spending time alone or being without a boyfriend or girlfriend for a while help a person increase his or her self-esteem?
• Why do you think knowing yourself well and knowing what you want in life are important to having successful relationships in the future?

2. Have students form small groups. Have some of the groups brainstorm ideas for �How to have fun by yourself� and other groups brainstorm �Good and bad reasons to get into a relationship.�

WINTER 2000
Discussion Guide