WOW Word-Of-the-Week #305: Relationship
June 1, 2010 by Susan Clarke
Relationship – a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection).
Do you spend time with your co-workers outside of work? Do you find your personal relationships satisfying? Do you feel you spend enough time with your friends and family?
Connecting with Family & Friends
The final part of Robert Masello’s article for the Parade Magazine titled, “Make Happiness Happen” deals with relationships. Tal Ben-Shahar the author of “Happier” says, “The No. 1 predictor for general well-being is not money or prestige but the time we spend with those who are near and dear to us. Enjoying close and intimate relationships with those we care about and who care about us is an absolute prerequisite to happiness. But it’s precisely these relationships that suffer most in our hectic modern life.”
Did you happen to see the PBS special titled “This Emotional Life?” One of the key points they listed was the importance of having a strong network of friends, social life, and morals. One of the interviewees said that, “A successful marriage consists of healthy doses of lust, laughter & loyalty.” Larry David the creator of Seinfeld and Curb your Enthusiasm said, “If you don’t like your job and you’re not having sex, you’re probably not very happy.”
Those two quotes really resonated with me. How about you? This week focus on your relationships. Make a list of the happiest times of your life. Do they include your close friends and family? When was the last time you experienced an emotional connection? If you didn’t spend time over this past holiday weekend with family and friends make a date to do it soon!
Readers Responses
“I agree 100 % with you Sooz ! Life is great ! It is what we make it! Hugs” – Katie
“This is my favorite one!” – Lurene
“The word relationship is certainly an apropos choice given the latest news of the separation of Al and Tipper Gore after 40 years of marriage. Some of the newspaper analysis noted that most couples have ironed out most of their difficulties at this stage of their lives. But apparently the distractions in Mr. Gore’s work on the west coast have taken their toll on his marriage. That is too bad. Our relationships are what helps us grow in our lives. And these include personal and professional. As I have grown older I realize the added importance of having family and friends around. I found Larry David’s characterization too simple. There is more to life than jobs and sex. The most important part of relationships I have found is simply sharing. Sharing with friends and family and co-workers. Speaking of co-workers, I spend more time with co-workers who are no longer with the company. The reason being is that many of the people I work with are about 20 years younger than I am. And many of them live a good distance from me. So, my contact with co-workers is primarily at work. Without relationships we are empty. I have mentioned in previous posts that we don’t walk through this world alone, and having people in our lives helps us in all aspects. Thank you, Susan. A great word. Relationships make the world go round. Take care.” Joe