05 Apr Happiness and relationships
At The Happiness Institute we always make a point of noting that happiness is not a solo-endeavour; rather, happiness is just as dependent on what we do to care for and support others, as it is about what we do to care for and support ourselves.
My happiness is not just about me; my happiness is also about every person with whom I come into contact.
With this in mind I’m happy to bring to you an article from Lou Tice. I’ve referred to Lou before as his regular emails are often interesting and relevant and frequently touch on topics that are of interest to those who care about happiness. So read on and enjoy…
Winner’s Circle Network with Lou Tice – 12/13/06 – “Relationships”
How important are your relationships to you? Does your behavior support your answer?
You know, most of us spend most of our lives living with other people or otherwise involved in close relationships. But have you ever had any formal schooling in relationships or even thought much about how they work? Most people would say not.
And most people, when you ask them if they feel happy and fulfilled in their present relationships, will give you wishy-washy answers like, “I guess so,”
or ‘some of the time,” or “We have our highs and lows. What more can you expect?” Very few people will answer, without hesitation, “Yes, absolutely.
You bet!”
I can’t help but wonder if these folks would ever consider taking a long trip to a foreign country without looking at a map or learning something about their destination. Yet they remain, year after year, in so-so relationships when life could be otherwise.
Relationships can change and grow, just like people. A loving relationship can nourish and stimulate more than any other form of human behavior. It is our loving relationships that ultimately give our lives meaning and purpose.
However, relationships are nothing more or less than the product of what the people in them do and think and say. So, if you value your relationships, let me ask you again. How does your behavior fit with that feeling? Where could you improve?
Lou Tice
The Pacific Institute
www.thepacificinstitute.com