Respect

Respect, R-E-S-P-E-C-T as Aretha Franklin sang it, is a critical component of freedom. It's the partner of freedom in that respecting another person's competence and individuality provides the positive support so important to freedom.

A contrast makes this point: suppose someone grants you the freedom to follow your dream with an underlying current of disrespect. It might sound something like, "Go ahead if you must, I'll be right here after you've chased that dream." In other words, the person thinks you'll fail and you'll come crawling back.

The same scenario with respect might sound like, "Go ahead, I know how important this is to you and I support you 100%. I know you can do it!" Obviously, we'd all like to hear this latter response because of the inherent respect and support it conveys.

CameraCritters #6

Committed Relationship

Fundamental to a strong relationship is commitment. Commitment to making the relationship strong and healthy is the foundation on which it can grow. Relationships take work. They take effort. Like life itself, relationships are dynamic, ever changing because we are ever changing. A strong relationship requires continuous nurturing, and that takes commitment.

Commitment to the relationship means unconditionally caring about maintaining and improving the relationship, even during times of anger or disappointment. There may be times when you aren't even sure you like the other person, but if you're committed you'll spend the effort to sustain the relationship during tough times.

Today's Flower #3

Camera Critters #5

Resolving relationship problem

Keeping a relationship strong and happy is one of the hardest things to do in life. In order to make things work, both partners have to learn how to bend and adjust throughout the years. There are a wide variety of problems and situations that can pop p which test the strength of relationship overtime and can potential cause it to end.

The best thing to do when you begin the process of solving relationship problems is to sit down and make a list with your partner. This can be done either separately or together, but it should include issues that both of your have with the relationship. By doing this, you can see the various sides of the problems you face and can better go about fixing them.

Talking about your feelings and working through your problems is something that men struggle with more than women, but it is a necessary part of saving a relationship. Each of you should take turns saying how you feel about a specific situation and you should both avoid using accusing words or phrases that make it sound like everything is your partner’s fault.