Relationship Reflection

Relationships have always been something I value strongly and make an effort to create and keep healthy. I believe that having a good relationship with someone enables you to make connections, express feelings and thoughts, and be yourself, knowing that you can trust and depend on that person when you need them. I have been told I have always been a great listener, so I try to remain that way, especially in the relationships I make and have.

I have wonderful relationships with a few people in my life, including my mother Debbie, my husband Ben, my teammate Joni, and my lead teacher Tamsyn, my best friend Lindsay, and God. I would also include my relationship with my grandmother who is now deceased. With all of these people, I have been able to be myself and they have accepted me for who I am, and vice versa. I am able to be honest, open, and trustworthy with these people. I have also been able to keep an open line of communication, sharing personal thoughts and feelings, while still feeling as though I am not being judged. These people have all helped me find my voice, discover my real self, and grow into a better person as a whole.

I believe that there are three things that are required to happen in order to have and maintain a good relationship. 1. Communication 2. Honesty 3. Dependability   If the line of communication is broken or not reciprocated on each side, things are left unsaid and feelings tend to get bottled up, then exploding into a mass of hurt. Communication from both parties is key in a relationship; other people can't read your mind or know what you're thinking or how you're feeling so you need to express yourself... which leads to number two, being honest. I think that in a relationship you need to be able to be honest, get your feelings and thoughts out there, and on both sides know that things can not be taken personally or as judgement. Honesty has helped me become who I am, find my voice, and stand up for myself. Honesty also lets the other person know how you truly feel, and if your relationship is strong enough you will be able to be honest without worrying about making the other mad or upset. You also need to be able to depend on that person, especially in the times when you need them the most, and vice versa. It's important in a healthy relationship to know that you have that go-to person and they will listen, talk, both, or neither, when you need them to.

I believe that these three things - communication, honesty, and dependability are also important in creating and maintaining healthy relationships in an educational setting, whether with staff  members, parents/caregivers, or children. All three of these things are important in making children feel safe and cared about, understanding them, and helping them grow and develop in a healthy way. The same goes for the parents/caregivers. They too need to know that you will be honest with them, not sugar coating things; that they can depend on you to help them understand and help their child as well. There always needs to be an open line of communication. In my opinion that is the most significant of all. If there is not an open line of communication, there is no opportunity for honesty and dependability, let alone a strong relationship.