All human beings desire social interaction. Relationships are very important to me as they make life enjoyable, satisfying and rewarding. It is because of those close relationships that I acquire my fundamental source of learning, and without them I would not be the person that I am today. The quality of the relationship intensely affects the confidence I have in my everyday experiences and discovering the world around me.
My husband is my confident in that I can share my deepest thoughts with him and trusting that he appreciates me for who I am. He knows when I am having a difficult day and knows just the right things to say to put a smile on my face. With and through him I grasp that “this too shall pass”. My mother, a very confident and robust lady, never holds back on her thoughts or words. Her words of wisdom always let me know that seventy-two years on this earth has taught her something. I confide in her daily and without a doubt always take the advice she gives, for I now realize that she has my best interest in mind. She clearly demonstrates to me the other side of the coin, without being severe. Through both of these relationships I communicate openly, which is an essential factor. We can candidly discuss issues, conflicts and make sound decisions all while remaining supportive.
With the rapidity and stress of life today, relationships are sometimes low on the totem pole of things to focus on. Nonetheless, it is vital that all my relationships continue to be nurtured and that I invest regularly in building a strong social support. There are friends, initially coworkers that I have known over 15 years that I still stay in close contact. It is through this friendship that we have an unexplainable bond that cannot be separated. We often share our innermost ideas, struggles, and beliefs. The five hundred mile distance is nothing to us, when we speak to each other, it is as if we just spoke yesterday, starting at the giggling from when we were young.
Although making and maintaining friendship for me has always been a challenge and can sometimes be extremely difficult. However, when I finally let down my guard, most friends know that I am very trusting and committed to them as a friend. I am often told that I do not have many friends, and to that I convey that my friendships are solid and based and able to withstand most anything with deeper connections and understanding.
There is abundant research that suggests that close friendships are essential to a woman's health and emotional well-being; these vital ties enable them to become better wives, mothers, daughters, and workers. To maintain these relationships, though, women need to create and maintain face-to-face rituals with their female friends. This can take the form of a book club, planning regular get-togethers; chick-flick night; or planning periodic girlfriend getaways (if your friends are out-of-towners). I remember my aunt constantly reminding me, a then newlywed, to make certain I carved time for me—“me time”. This should be done weekly and in or out of the home, but just alone time for yourself.
If it were not for the fruitful, profound relationships that I have developed over years I would not be the person that I am today (driven, professional, uncompromising, organized and loveable). In all aspects of my life these characteristics prove to be valuable in that they keep me grounded in my stance to become a better me. With the assistance of my family, friends and colleagues we all push each other and help one another evolve both personally and professionally.
Terri,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to a woman's need for face-to-face contact. My friends and I keep in contact through Facebook, emails, texts and phone calls but it is our montly get togethers that truly keep us connected. We get together once a month to share a meal and lots of laughs. We talk about our husbands, kids, work, anything and everything. We play games and just laugh and enjoy each other's company. I know I can count on these women for anything that I may need. Some of them I have known since I was 3 years old and some I have just met in the past 3 years. Each woman in my group is special in her own way and together we are amazing! I treasure and value them like no other group of women that I know. Thank you for sharing your connections and relationships!
Amy
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ReplyDeleteTerri,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that time with friends and me time are totally necessary for men and women. So many times we get caught up in our rigorous day to day schedules, we often forget to take time out for ourselves. I just learn this within the last 3 years and I am still finding out how important it is to have these special times and connections with other people to remind us that we are not just parents or hard workers, but people as well.
Terri
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about the comfort you have from knowing you can confide in your wife. The ability to confide in another is an important part of a relationship. Without the ability to convey your hopes, dreams, and fears to another, the relationship can only go so far. This aspect of relationships (confiding) is an aspect we might consider when thinking about the families of our childhood programs.
Terri,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I strongly agree that as women we need close friends. I find it important to be able to call my friends and to talk to them about anything and everything. There is nothing we don't share with each other. I need this venue to release stress. They kinow me better than I know myself, and they will tell me when I'm wrong about something - giving me that tough love I need.
I have had many times when I thought a person was my friend just to find out they stabbed me in the back. Sometimes I put up a guard until I get to know a person really well. I'm a friend that will be there when you need her, and someone that can be trusted; all I ask is that my friends do the same.
Thanks Terri for sharing, I agree with you about how our close relationships with people shape who we are as people and as professionals. Great post!!!!!
ReplyDelete