We’re relational beings. Whether we consider ourselves “introverts” or “extroverts”, we all have to deal with other human beings in one way or another, even if it’s just online for the majority of the time. Merriam Webster defines relationship like this:
Definition of relationship
1:the state of being related or interrelated
- studied the relationship between the variables
2:the relation connecting or binding participants in a relationship: such as
a:kinship
b:a specific instance or type of kinship
So, relationship defines our interaction with others, which automatically affects our mental, emotional, and sometimes even physical health. Recently, we read an article by the amazing team at The Apeiron Center. Though speaking specifically from the viewpoint of a married person, the information relates to all relationships. Here’s a quote for you to think through, and then you NEED to read the entire article!
“It’s easy for some relationships to become adversarial. In my experience, nothing will erode the joy in any relationship so quickly as complaints about the other person. The moment we begin to complain to a friend (or even to ourselves) about our partner, we begin planting seeds of discontent.”