Relational Wellbeing
You are a person only because of other people
Zulu Proverb
It is through our responses to other people that we become persons. It is others who challenge, enlighten
and enrich us. There is no such thing as the isolated individual.all life is meeting.
Relationships Foundation 2002
Why are relationships an essential aspect of our well-being?
Identity
It is through relationships that we discover who we are. Our sense of identity is formed in our relationships with others. We learn to cooperate. We learn to compete. We learn a sense of autonomy and to know our own mind. We learn interdependence and learn to resolve the inevitable conflict.
Security
It is through our attachment to our parents that our earliest sense of security is developed. Throughout life there is a balance between security within oneself and interpersonal security. Our sense of security is renegotiated within our relationships.
Worth
Self-worth arises out of our identity and our sense of security. It is fed by our own subjective appraisal of self and by feedback from others about performance of expected roles. A healthy sense of self-worth is related to feeling psychologically in control and having a sense of purpose in the roles of our lives.
Health
The benefits of enduring relationships upon a person's mental and physical health are well documented. People with strong personal connections are both healthier and happier than people who are more alone in the world.
Can we build skills that will help us to develop effective relationships?
Yes. The most effective way to do this is in relationships with others. Counselling and groups are offered to help you develop your relationship skills.