PerDev Q2M1: Personal Relationships

Personal Relationships

BASIC DEFINITIONS

Relationship

A relation between people; a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection)

Personal Relationships

Relationships between people, especially those between friends, lovers, and family. They evolve continuously and require skills, information, inspiration, practice, and social support.

Family

A concept of family varies greatly. The Bureau of the Census defines family as "two or more persons who are related by birth, marriage, or adoption and who live together as one household."

Friends

A close tie between two people built upon mutual experiences, shared interests, proximity, and emotional bonding. The average person has about six close ties.

Partnerships

Romantic partnerships, including marriage, are close relationships formed between two people built upon affection, trust, intimacy, and romantic love, usually experienced with only one person at a time.

Love

Strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personalities; attraction based on sexual desire or admiration, benevolence, or common interests.

Commitment

The act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action.

Attraction

Magnetic charm, fascination, allurement; a person or thing that draws or entices.

Responsibility

A form of trustworthiness; being answerable to someone for something or responsible for one's conduct.

WHY PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS ARE IMPORTANT

Healthy relationships contribute to a long, healthy, and happy life. Research shows that strong relationships help you live longer, deal with stress, and be healthier. Conversely, low social support is linked to depression, decreased immune function, and higher blood pressure.

10 WAYS TO EXPRESS LOVE

1. Express gratitude

Tell someone how much you appreciate their presence in your life.

2. Send flowers

Do it for no reason other than to say "Thank you for being you."

3. Set aside time

Give the gift of listening. Make a date and just listen to each other's thoughts.

4. Keep anger at bay

During stressful times, think of this: flick off an ember from the rug before it burns a hole.

5. Be thoughtfully generous with gifts

Buy gifts that are unique to the special people in your life.

6. Order fortune cookies

Find ones with love sayings or gratitude sayings.

7. Offer an act of kindness

Say, "What can I do for you today to make your life easier?" Then do it.

8. Write a note

Start with: "I am so grateful that you are in my life."

9. Make time

Arrange to be together for events that bring you both pleasure.

10. Be forgiving

We all have quirks. Either gently say something or switch to the positive-quality channel.