Developing Positive Relationships

Chapter 2 Section 1

Positive Relationships

Do not happen automatically◦Must work to develop them◦Human nature is not positive

Must have a true concern for others

Types of Relationships

ParentsSiblingsPeersRomantic RelationshipsWork Relationships

Relationships with Parents

Develop a positive relationship at homeChildren start relationships with parents and

expand them with their peersParents are role models (Positive? Negative?)Children are totally dependent on their

parents (caregivers)◦Physical, emotional, & social

Studies show young people who get along well with their parents tend to relate well with their own children

Relationships with Siblings

Siblings: brothers & sistersRelate to one another on more equal

termsKids who build positive relationships with

their siblings tend to build positive relationships with their peers

Relationships with Peers

Very important during the teen yearsYou cannot choose your family, but you

can choose your friends (CHOOSE WISELY!)

Provide supportDo not expect them to be perfect or fit

your exact moldYou grow by being exposed to their

attitudes & beliefs

Romantic Relationships

Teen & adult yearsPositive because caring for someone &

knowing you are cared for adds meaning to life

Sharing joys & sorrows helps you grow closerSome lead to marriageMarriage relationships grow & change as the

people in them grow and changeTo be successful you must communicate

Relationships at Work

Positive work relationships are based on respect for the feelings of others

Most people spend as much time at work as they do at home, so work relationships are very important

Do not expect others to do your work for you

Most jobs are a team effort

Benefits of Positive Relationships

Affect physical & emotional well-being◦Fewer illnesses (positive relationships)

Social benefits◦More likely to go places and get involved in

activities if someone is with you◦Social circle will expand

Economic well being◦Do well at work, you will be rewarded/promoted

Qualities Needed for Positive Relationships

Mutual RespectTrustOpennessReliability

Mutual Respect

Mutual Respect: each person regards the other with honor and esteem

Neither person tries to form an opinion or an idea about the other

Can be a challenge

Trust

Trusting people means you have confidence in them

You must prove that you are trustworthyTrust in relationships can be fragile

Openness

Openness in a relationship refers to an atmosphere in which people feel free to share their thoughts and feelings

Need to be willing to open up to othersPeople cannot meet your needs unless

you tell them what your needs are

Reliability

Must be reliable; dependableIf you say you will do something, people

must be able to count on you to do itHUGE in relationshipsGoes beyond keeping your word

◦Refers to routine patterns of behavior◦Leadership roles in a group◦Remain calm in frantic situations

Helps others know what to expect in relationships