When someone asks what is a key ingredient in a relationship? My natural response is effective communication. I do agree, though, that there is a variety of other aspects in a partnership that are important as well; such as romance, sexual intimacy, patience, tolerance and compassion. Nevertheless, I believe that efficient communication is the portal which allows a couple to enter the path toward a successful long-term relationship. Relationships experience many phases, different levels if you will. When the lust, passion and those “butterflies” in the stomach begin to fade, what’s left? It is crucial that a couple builds and maintains a solid foundation through this journey. This is no walk in the park; it requires a lot of work, commitment and patience. Some may say “love is not enough.” I personally think that’s just a “cop out.” I believe many people/couples are becoming lazy and oblivious in relationships. Choosing to walk away or avoiding relationship issues seems to be a trend that continues to be on the rise. Many fail to see that a departure from a relationship is not the answer. The inability to cope with relationship issues will not disappear by walking away; it will remain within the individual and only be transferred onto the next relationship. Having conflicts and disagreements in relationships is normal and actually healthy. So, what positive transformations can possibly come about from these struggles?
First, the tighter connection and bond that is gained by the couple.
Second,the coping endurance necessary to manage future conflicts or disagreements.
Third, the ability to grow, mature, move forward and progress in the relationship.
Being able to respectfully speak to one another, expressing each others’ feelings without the fear of being judged, actively listening to each other, and being honest and truthful will preserve a relationship as long a both parties have these goals in common. Everyone is worthy of having a joyous relationship!-Angie Antonatos
What is empathy? According to the definition in Wikipedia, empathy has many definitions. They cover a broad spectrum, ranging from caring for other people and having a desire to help them, to experiencing emotions that match another person’s emotions, to knowing what the other person is thinking or feeling, to blurring the line between self and other. This is a very good definition, I must say, however, I would add that empathy should be conveyed to the other individual. Otherwise, how would they know that you’re right there, in the moment, with them? This may be very challenging. At times we can be to quick to jump into conclusions, find it difficult to put our ingrained believes, ideas and values aside and /or judge others based on what we think/assume about them. Many times we may have a tendency to minimize the person’s issue, only because we feel that we may have had it worse and yet, we were able to overcome it. So we think “why can’t they?” Nevertheless, not everyone has the same coping abilities, endurance or may not be just there yet. Can we put our predisposed thinking aside? Can we actively listen without judging? Can we understand another human being, even if we disagree with them? Can we set our emotions, experiences, opinions aside and be a present listener? Empathy, can it be developed or is it one of those things that you either possess or don’t? Empathy is not the same as sympathy, by the way… Read the following link if you’d like to understand the difference:
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Empathy_vs_Sympathy.
Next time someone comes to you with an issue, problem or dilemma, think about this.~ Angie Antonatos
@yehudaberg: Daily Tune-Up: “Thoughts Become Movie” - Our thoughts shape what we perceive as reality… http://t.co/uQdFHLzO
@yehudaberg: What is it you know you have to change not just a little but all the way? This is the week to do it.
To live a happy, fulfilled, and purposeful life every day is not just a dream; it is our daily responsibility. All we need is sharing. That’s because giving is the direct pathway to happiness – we need the uncomfortable process of uprooting ego to experience true fulfillment.
Share today. The more uncomfortable, the happier you will be- Yehuda Berg
@hugoschwyzer: RT @andreabeadle: There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. Epitectus
I am Angie and hope to utilize this forum to inspire, help, and encourage others. I am passionate about being a mental health professional. I’m here to share my god given knowledge and own experiences to assist those who wish to be helped.
