RQ: Building Relationship Intelligence: Part One: “Relationships”
No
one can become truly happy without relationships, yet the truth is that
those we are closest to can cause us the most pain. Developing good
relationships take a lot of wisdom and investment. In this first
section of RQ: Building Relationship Intelligence, we take a look at
relationships with friends and family and how these are affected by the
transition to becoming a mature man or woman.
Friendship is one of the most rewarding parts of life, but it needs care and investment.
Misunderstandings and disagreements are inevitable parts of
friendship. We can overcome them with honesty, patience, forgiveness.
Don’t accept unhealthy domination or bullying
True friendship is based on goodness, on sound moral qualities
of character. If a friend is involved in destructive or illegal
activities, better to cut off. Use “Positive Relationships” Slide.
All of us have to make the transition to mature manhood or womanhood. Use “From Child to Adult” slide.
Different cultures have different ways of testing or showing
that one has become a mature adult accepted into “adult” society. These
are called “initiation rites”.
Some signs of maturity in our culture (discuss) include:
physical signs of maturation (can refer to slide on physical
development and appendix A), confirmation ceremony in church, success
in sports, graduation from high school or college, driver’s license and
owning a car, joining the military, making money and starting a career,
living on your own, getting married
False concepts of maturity such as having unmarried sex or
having a baby as “proof” that one is a mature man or woman lead to
self-destructive behaviors and tragedy.
Use “Take Shortcuts” and “The Right Way Challenge” slides.
Activities
Read and discuss stories of Missy and Ed, Laura and Jordan, Tim and Erika, and Saying No to Dates. Followup questions.
