Relationships

"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed."— Carl Jung (1875 – 1961)

 

Maintaining positive, healthy relationships is an important component of emotional wellness. "People who have social support are typically happier," according to Dee Bohl, Parkside Outpatient Therapist. "And for the sake of good mental health, I believe people need to be careful in their selection of friends." Of course relationships take work and require plenty of compromise, but they should not continually drain our energy. In fact, our relationships should enrich our lives. When beginning a new friendship—or evaluating an existing friendship—Dee encourages consideration of the following questions.

• Can you name a few characteristics of the person that you really admire and like?
• Is the person glad you have other friends?
• Does the person have healthy / reasonable relationships with his/her family and friends?
• Does the person talk and listen?
• Do you "act like yourself" when you are together?
• Does the person have other interests besides you?
• Does the person expect you to say where you have been when you have been apart?
• Does the person lose his/her temper easily?
• Is the person jealous of your friends and relatives?
• Does the person have trouble controlling anger?
• Can the person laugh at him/herself?
• Do you enjoy each other's company? Do you generally feel better after being together?
• Does the person show respect for your feelings, values, likes, dislikes, goals, and identity?

Dee Bohl is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has been a Parkside staff member for over 8 years.