Cultivating healthy relationships and eliminating harmful ones is essential to proper self-care. Whether it’s with a spouse, child, parent, sibling, friend or co-worker, a healthy relationship is one that is characterized by RESPECT- for us and the other person.
This includes:
- Courtesy – Be polite. Follow through. Be on time. Avoid shouting, insults, nagging, and manipulation.
- Boundaries- It’s okay to set limits, to say “no,” and to expect respect. Honor the other’s personal limits as well.
- Personal safety- Violence is NEVER justified or okay. Everyone has a right to be safe from physical and/or emotional abuse.
- Honesty- Deception and lies hurt both parties. The truth always comes to light. Trust is easy to keep but almost impossible to repair.
- Clear communication- Say what you mean. Don’t expect others to read your mind. If you are unsure about what someone means, ask questions.
- Realistic expectations- Consider the other person’s role and the limits of that role. Don’t expect the same intimacy from co-workers as spouses. Even if the other person doesn’t like what’s said, we are each responsible for our own happiness.
- Flexibility and understanding- Plans change. People disappoint. Life is a moving target. Learn to adapt and adjust.
- Grace- No one is perfect. Sometimes we have to forgive and overlook shortcomings. Other times, we must ask for forgiveness.
Good relationships (including with ourselves) are treasures. They must be nurtured. Make time for them. Cherish them. Enjoy them.
Today’s author is Mommie Kate. Visit her at http://faith4moms.blogspot.com/.
drdianesanford.com 