Last week we went over ways to practice self-love and self-less love. But this week will be focusing on two different types of love: enduring love and familiar love. Enduring love is defined as love that lasts over time. Familiar love is defined as affectionate love felt between friends or parent and child. So how can we practice these two types of love?
Elements needed for enduring love:
1) Talk More
Communication is essential specifically for enduring love because over time the dynamic of your relationship with a person may change. As humans, we are always evolving and adapting to life’s trials and tribulations. Ineffective communication can lead to a misunderstanding between you and another person. If you are not talking to someone about what’s happening right now and in your life, they may be inclined to stop sharing what is happening in theirs as well. As a result, you will both be unaware of what the other person is going through behind closed doors.
2) Be Truthful
Honesty is a sacred aspect of an enduring relationship. The relationship will fall apart if both parties are not truthful about their feelings. If something is bothering you, speak up! It is better to let someone know how you’re feeling instead of waking up every day and disguising yourself in a persona that is not true to who you are inside.
3) Practice Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a difficult hurdle to jump, but it is necessary for an enduring relationship. People make mistakes. We are only human. Perfection is unattainable and we try forcing these ridiculous expectations on the people we love when the truth is, we are still learning how to navigate through life. Now, this isn’t a pass for allowing people to mistreat you and put you down. This is simply a statement to say it is ok to forgive and let go.
Elements needed for familiar love:
1) Mutual Respect
Having respect for all parties is essential for having a healthy dynamic in a group. A lack of respect will create problems in any type of relationship. A good way to start practicing respect is by minimizing all negative language.
2) Boundaries
As a member of a group, it is important to value yourself and your time. Establishing and respecting boundaries is a basic guideline to how people want to be treated. It lets people know how they should behave around you. And it’s alright to yourself permission to do what’s best for you.
3) Appreciation
It’s never a bad idea to show your appreciation for your loved ones. An example of showing appreciation is by calling your grandma regularly. Or maybe, you can buy your siblings dinner this Friday. Sometimes people need a reminder of how appreciated and valued they are.
Comments