Every good relationship, especially marriage, is based on respect. If it’s not based on respect, nothing that appears to be good will last very long.
-Amy Grant
How are your relationships these days? Generally healthy with lots of emotional connection? Generally unhealthy with lots of emotional disconnection? Some place in the middle, or specific to certain people and certain relationships? Regardless of where you’re at today, it can be helpful to regularly take stock of our relationships and how they’re doing. This gives you an idea of where you may need to have a hard conversation or spend more time with a loved one. Also, it can be helpful to figure out if something short-term is impacting your relationship satisfaction like moving or changing jobs, or if it’s something that’s been going on for a long time like putting your kids’ needs above the needs of your relationship with your partner.
Here’s what’s to come in this blog: common family issues, emotionally healthy family traits, ways to create more family connection.
Common family issues:
- Lack of empathy and support
- Disrespectful behavior
- Frequent arguing
- Unclear boundaries
- Family members feeling unheard
- Emotional disconnection
- No laughter or shared humor
- Too much togetherness
- Too much separateness
- No space for differences
- A lack of quality time together
What else would you add to this list?
Emotionally healthy family traits:
- Compassion
- Autonomy and togetherness
- Connection
- Laughter
- Quality time together
- Space for differences
- Caring
- Support
- Shared humor
- Empathy
- Structure
- Good boundary setting
- Enjoying each other’s company
What else would you add here?
Ways to create more family connection:
- Validate feelings
- Family meetings
- Involve the kids!
- Family therapy
- Attend important events
- Quality time together
- Create family adventures
- Prioritize self-care
- Allow space and time to feel your feelings
- Keep emotional reactivity low
- Embrace the value each member brings to the family
What else helps you create more emotional connection within your own family?
If you’re struggling in your relationship/s right now, know that you’re not alone. We’ve all been there (or are currently right there with you!). If you could use more help and support today, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area. Know that I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion your way.
