By Abigail Pettitt, B.A. in Psychology, Minor in Theology and Women & Justice

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness about the impact of abuse and mobilize to protect children. A lot of the conversations this month will focus on warning signs, mandatory reporting, and systems accountability. And while all of that is critical, I want to talk about something we often overlook.

Connecting with Gen Z can feel like learning a new language, but you're not alone. Growing up in a world shaped by social media and instant communication, their way of connecting is constantly evolving. Whether you're a caregiver, educator, or mentor, understanding their communication style is essential for building genuine relationships.

You will never find someone to love you the way I do. It’s a statement that on the surface may seem like something positive, almost Shakespearean-level romantic gestures. And for someone who has never experienced such an ideological verbiage of love, it may be just a perfect statement.