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Ingredients for a Healthy RelationshipBy Linda J. Bagley, M.A., LMFTEach couples relationship is different, but all of us need to make sure we have the ingredients to make our relationship a healthy place to be. Before scoring yourself on the 6 major items every relationship needs read about what George thought his new relationship could use. George, age 92, and Edith, age 89, had been seeing each other for 2 years when they decided that life was too short and they might as well be together for the rest of their lives. Excited about their decision to become newlyweds, they went for a stroll to discuss the wedding and what plans needed to be made. Along their way, they found themselves in front of a drugstore. George said to his bride-to-be, "Let's go in. I have an idea." They walked to the rear of the store and addressed the man behind the counter:"Are you the owner?" asked George. The pharmacist answered, "Yes, sir. I am. How can I help you?" George: "Do you sell heart medications?"Pharmacist: "Of course we do."George: "How about support hose for circulation?" Pharmacist: "Definitely." George: "What about medications for rheumatism, osteoporosis & arthritis?" Pharmacist: "All kinds." George: "How about waterproof furniture pads & Depends?"Pharmacist: "Yes sir."George: "Hearing aids, denture supplies & reading glasses?" Pharmacist: "Yes."George: "What about eye drops, sleeping pills, Geritol, Preparation-H and ExLax?" Pharmacist: "Absolutely." George: "You sell wheelchairs, walkers & canes?" Pharmacist: "All kinds and sizes. Why are you asking all these questions?" George smiled, glanced shyly at Edith and replied to the pharmacist, "We've decided to get married and we'd like to use your store as our Bridal Registry." We could all use a new start or to add zest to our existing relationships, and hopefully we will not wait until we are so old that we need a pharmacy for a bridal registry! We can do many things to bring new life into the relationships we have. Every relationship needs attention in order to thrive. Take a moment to run through the following list of ingredients and honestly assess how long it has been since you have consciously added these nutrients to your relationship:What score would you give yourself in the following categories? Rarely---------Average---------Often Affirm Your Mate We all need to know we are valued and that we have character traits that our loved one appreciates. Rate yourself on how well you do it for your loved one. Be Honest Trust is the basis for any healthy relationship. Are you trustworthy? Secrets kill and destroy. Confront Lovingly We all need to deal with issues that bring up dissension in relationships. Do you know how to deal with the issue without attacking your loved one's character? Dependability When you say you will do something, do you keep your word? Emotionally Healthy Do you stay current with your feelings, or store up resentments and hostilities? Fascination Life can lose its zest and we need to add spark to keep things interesting.Are you proactive in this area? Well, you don't have to go to the pharmacy to work on this 6 ingredients to help your relationship become healthier. But you probably will need encouragement and support! |
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