July 27, 2015 Friends and Peers
Friendship is yet another manifestation of our ability to love and our need to belong socially. It describes a “mutually supportive” relationship between or among individuals. After all, it is highly unlikely that a relationship that is not mutual in…
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July 27, 2015 Friends and Peers
When I was a child, I considered the status of “best friend” to be somewhat singular. Out of all your friends, your best friend would be that one friend that you cherished or bonded with the most. It seemed as…
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July 27, 2015 Friends and Peers
The idea that men and women can’t be “just friends” implies that they might be “friends with benefits”. It also implies that one, the other, or both would have a covert attraction. It is true that some friendships between men…
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The success of long-term endeavours are based on their premises or foundations. A relationship is certainly a long-term endeavour that involves different components. The keys to unlock a successful relationship are well-known. Relationship success can be simply thought of as…
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Organisms die and systems fail when critical functions can no longer be performed. Relationships, particularly intimate ones, are no different in that regard. A relationship is a system that requires inputs from two parties and various outcomes that include fulfilment,…
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Relationships experience similar ups and downs to those which life throws at us; in some cases even more so. These do not necessitate immediate flight, since obstacles and conflict are natural. However, there are some signals of relationship deterioration into…
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Self-expression is a lot more than “saying what you mean and meaning what you say”. This is not to contradict the reality that language is a significant part of the way we communicate. Communication is just one way in which…
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Words can’t hurt? Are you sure? The idea that words can have a harmful effect is a half-truth. There’s an element of truth to it, but it is not entirely accurate in all contexts. We often hear that words are…
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Arguably, all relationship problems are created or exacerbated by poor communication. In some cases, we simply don’t know how to communicate properly. At other times, we are just blissfully ignorant or unwilling to communicate properly. Communication problems occur all too…
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There is power in meaning behind the words we use. This is why “I love you” is typically one of the most significant expressions in the English language. Love is an eclectic and multi-dimensional concept that language cannot always fully…
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Could you imagine what life would be if no one had conversations with strangers? We would be unnaturally formal all too often and our talk with strangers would be clipped and superficial. Fortunately, our reality is not as rigid and…
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April 13, 2015 Friends and Peers
Friendship health is possible regardless of the friendship type and level. While it is less likely (not impossible though) that a close friendship would be unhealthy, a healthy friendship does not necessarily have to be a close friendship. Myriad factors-…
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When you have nothing to say to your ex, attempting to say something is a terrible risk. That ‘no words are left’ suggests that there’s nothing much to say again. However, this may not always be the case. Having something…
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Disagreements in a relationship can be quite natural and healthy. However, when a disagreement becomes a ‘contentious exchange of views’, there is just cause for a pause. Indeed, in all things, there should be moderation. An argument- which is just…
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Unconditional love is an ideal – a concept that is inextricably linked to real love. It is love that is given regardless of how a person looks, feels, thinks or behaves. In addition, it is love that is independent of…
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The Worldwide Web is an interesting place to note a person’s self-definition. Perhaps someone is sexybabe1001 or hunkypunk10, when the reality is that the person using the name does not think that hunky, sexy describes him or her, or many…
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February 28, 2015 Communication
If the primary reason for relationship failure is poor communication, then it stands to reason that good communication is essential to the success of a relationship. Communication is a multi-faceted process; one that involves listening. By extension, listening skills are…
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February 27, 2015 Communication
Communication helps us validate our identity as social beings. The ability to transfer thoughts, feelings, emotions and ideas facilitated networking and development from primitive years. Communication was clearly instrumental in the development of human beings throughout the ages. One of the…
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February 19, 2015 Communication
Assume: To take as certain or trueThe creator of the title “Why do people like to assume?” may have made the following assumptions: 1) That people like to assume2) That we all have a shared understanding of what assuming entails3)…
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February 10, 2015 Communication
Perhaps you feel the need to tell your rather talkative co-worker that he has bad breath. Maybe you are attempting to address an issue that you know will have repercussions. When you are attempting to hold a difficult conversation, a…
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January 6, 2015 Friends and Peers
Keeping your friends close and enemies closer seems like a counter-intuitive thing to do. A common reason for not getting along with certain individuals is usually that you do not like them. You could also dislike someone because it seems impossible to get along…
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January 3, 2015 Friends and Peers
The concept of friendship means something different to each individual. At the core is the concept of who or what a friend is and the nature of the relationship. Let us suppose that we all thought a friend to be…
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December 5, 2014 Communication
Communication problems are at the zenith of the relationship problems pyramid. There is no neutral ground in the practise of communicating either. Disastrous communication refers to a breakdown in communication that erodes bonds or creates tension and hostile environments. Avoiding…
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October 27, 2014 Communication
When you release information, it is difficult to withdraw it or even anticipate its effect. The impact of your information on someone else or on a situation can be unexpected and unintended. Assume that you reveal something that occurs in…
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October 15, 2014 Friends and Peers
In terms of personal growth and development, change is an important factor. However, this certainly does not imply that all change is good. Since we cannot please everyone, it suggests that we should not always respond to the perceptions of…
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July 10, 2014 Friends and Peers
A “draining” friend typically refers to one who de-energizes you mentally or emotionally. Worse yet, a draining friend or acquaintance might even deplete your pocket! They may have different methods and issues, but their effect is the same. They take your highs and…
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In terms of classifying romance into stages, the concept of bonding is most appropriate. Bonding – in this context – refers to the growth of attachment between lovers that includes intellectual, physical, spiritual and emotional components. Pair bonding is generally…
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