Chapter 6: Relationships

[6 March 2009]

"Communication is to a relationship what breathing is to maintaining life."

Based on my understanding, the statement above means the important of communication is a relationship. Communication is like breathing. It is done on a daily basis. Most often, it goes unnoticed like the necessity of water for the survival of fish. Human, is the same. We cannot choose whether we want to breath or do not want to breath. It just goes on naturally in our lives. Besides, communication is so much so important in maintaining a life. HUMAN NEED COMMUNICATION !

Relationship, too, need communication. So, what kind of relationship do we have? Between parents, colleagues, friends, pets, plants, etc. Trust, commitment, honesty, responsibility,.... makes a relationship works and quality. Most often, people claim that a relationship needs COMMUNICATION, COMPROMISING AND COMMITMENT. With these three, a relationship can maintain well.

So why do Communication important in a relationship? If we do not communication, we may not be able to understand each other. Whether verbal os non-verbal communication is important. Because it can bring out a message. Through communication, we know each other.What he/she needs, what he/she feels and so on.

Compromising is important that we need to put ourselves in other people's shoe. Let go ourselves. Think why he/she do this. Everything happens with a reason. E.g. when he/she angry, think why he/she angry, instead of blaming he/she. Compromise...if he/she is busy and do not have time to accompany you, just be there with he/her. Let him/her finish his/her thing first. If you keep disturbing him/her, this will only make him/her feel annoying. Dont you agree?

Compromise...put others before yourself. When people see you are so care for others, people will feel happy and next time he/she will also put you first before him/her, right?

Commitment. In a relationship, do you think it is interdependency or dependency? Why? Is it due to obligation? Or duty? Or commitment? In my opinion, if you do something based on obligation or duty, you may feel tired easily. Because you may force yourself to do something you do not like to do. But if you do something based on commitment, you are doing it with your sincere heart. You do not force ypurself and you do not expect something back to you. With this, your relationship can maintain in life.

So, here are 2 questions for you to think.

1. How do you describe your relationship? E.g, do your relationship with your parents is like friends? Or you just treat your parents as authority and guardian? Or between you and your parents is hostile where you cannot communicate with your parents?

2. Social norm. What kind of your relationship is? Is it both of you must go for a date? Must watch movie in cinema? Or what else? Lets share with us!!! :)

[The mirror have 2 faces] is a nice movie that Ms Cheryl has suggested to us. Lets enjoy!

-Winnie-