Relationships

By Sarah O'Driscoll (Counsellor)

A relationship can be defined as the way in which two people are connected or the way they behave toward each other. (Dictionary, 2020)
 
There are three incredibly important types of relationships in our lives:

• Family Relationships – these are made up of people we are connected to through blood or marriage and include brothers, sisters, parents, aunt and uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Family relationships in a perfect world would be everlasting and require strong communication to ensure a lifelong source of support. The bonds that are formed within the family can be influential in the way in which an individual will form other relationships outside of the family such as friendships and romantic relationships.
• Friends – these are the people that we are not related to but who we choose to interact with , people we trust , respect, care and enjoy spending time with. This is a reciprocal relationship that values honesty support and loyalty.
• Romantic Relationships – this involves two people who are mutually attracted to each other both physically and mentally. Romantic relationships are the closest form of relationship there is an incredibly strong bond that is not experienced with anyone else. These relationships value love, respect, support, shared interests, and a desire to share their lives with each other. (UK, 2020)

 
We as human beings value relationships immensely, they are an integral part of our survival, mental and emotional wellbeing, and overall health. When we are able to establish and maintain healthy relationships, we feel less stress, experience better healing, have healthier behaviours, a greater sense of purpose and a longer life. These strong, positive relationships that we long for require nurturing, care, and effective communication. Communication in terms of relationships is incredibly important it allows the explanation of feelings, experiences , wants , needs, and desires it also plays a part in maintaining connections. Miscommunication is a leading cause of conflict in all types of relationships, so it is so incredibly important that we can practice and maintain effective communication to ensure these relationships are long lasting.
 
So how can we communicate better?

• Be honest -- explain how you really feel, what is on your mind ?
• Talk face to face – language has many elements, depth, and tone, avoid discussing serious issues in writing or via text messages as often the message you are trying to get across can be misinterpreted.
• Ensure you are using positive body language -- make eye contact, sit up straight, and face the other person, pay attention and listen be open for discussion
• Don’t attack – pick you words carefully use “I” and “we” instead of “you” this can be particularly important in ensuring the other person doesn’t feel defensive but instead receptive to the message you are trying to relay. (Medicine, 2020)

 
We all express ourselves in different ways we can call it our “communication language”, we need to ensure we take the time to learn and understand the way in which those we are in relationships communicate this will in turn ensure effective communication and fulfillment in all of the different relationships in our lives.

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References:
Dictionary, C. (2020, June 23rd). Meaning of relationship in English. Retrieved from Cambridge Dictionary : https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/relationship
Medicine, N. W. (2020, June 23rd). HealthBeat. Retrieved from North Western Medicine: https://www.nwm.org
UK, H. (2020, June 23rd). Better Health UK. Retrieved from Better Health UK: https://assertbh.org.uk