|
Making healthy alternative choices that diverge from norms of the family you grew up with do not necessarily make you a "black sheep" or "bad seed". Rather, it can be a display of courage and a decent attempt to find your own tailored happy place in life. 
0 Comments
As a parent, one of the best ways to help your children form healthy friendships is for you to have a healthy relationship with them. Most of what they do in a friendship they practice first with you, including navigating adversity.  Passive aggression can seed nasty arguments and fights between people. You can support yourself and help avoid passive aggressive exchanges with those you love by clearly, kindly and respectfully asking for what you need and want.  Over the holidays it can be tempting to spend lots of time with other people. Often, the amount of time we spend together can be overwhelming. Support yourself this year by finding tranquil spaces when you want to settle or calm down.  One of the best things you can give your loved ones is your time and your full attention. Most people feel better about themselves and more important when they are paid attention to and when that person is someone they love or admire.  Understanding yourself better and developing personally is one helpful way to support yourself in an intimate relationship. It is ideal if your partner does this as well. When each person has a deep understanding of oneself, the relationship can flourish.  How do you ask for what you need or would like in your relationships? Do you ask with kindness and clarity, or do you ask with frustration that you had to ask? Or not at all? It's much easier for the other to respond when you ask clearly and nicely.  When you have that exchange with your partner that might be heated, tense or lead to an argument, try to first imagine your partner as your friend and the person you love. Your partner will sense your care, feel safe and will listen more.  Each group we know, participate in or belong to-whether established or impromptu-has it's own unique set of relational dynamics, created by people in the group. Each group weaves its own personal tapestry as threads of contact interlace.  If your partner brings up something that he or she feels unhappy about, it's not the best time for you to add on with what you are unhappy about. Try listening attentively until your partner feels satisfied that he or she has been heard.  |
AuthorThe Relationship Toolkit Series is focused on promoting healthy relationship dynamics for people. All material is authored by Cori Lambert unless explicitly stated otherwise. Authentic Consulting and Counselling is located in West Perth, Greater Perth Area. Archives
March 2019
Categories |
RSS Feed