Healthy Relationships
An initial disclaimer : The comments I am making in this presentation are about your average, typical relationship and please notice I did not use the term “ normal.” As all relationships are exceedingly unique, as unique as the two people that are in it. However if a relationship carries within it , certain types of abuse or violence: be that physical, emotional, spiritual or sexual then this can not be tolerated and this relationship will need to be terminated even if temporarily and intervention will be required. If the relationship has elements of addiction or even harmful use of substances or gambling or pornography then again, this relationship needs to cease at least temporarily and an intervention is required. I will speak about where you can help at the end of this presentation.
Relationships are extremely complex and mysterious yet provide us with our most meaningful opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment. As human beings we often do not even know our own truest heart’s desire so when we move into relationship it is not surprising that miscommunication and conflict may arise.
Relationships are complex because we are balancing two very powerful human drives or desires, namely: the preservation of our own individual identity and pursuit of union/connection with another person. So there is one part in us that wants to please, cooperate and connect deeply with our partner. The other part of us has this strong desire to maintain our own individual identity, goals, preferences, beliefs, thoughts and feelings.
This is an on ongoing dynamic tension that exists in every relationship and we continuously walk this “balance beam.” Thus striving to maintain a balance between these two drives. It is not surprising that we often fall off to one side or the other.