Reflection on Exploring Relationships
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University of Nebraska, Lincoln *
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Communications
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Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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Reflection on Exploring Relationships
Reflection on Exploring Relationships
Riley Guldberg CYAF-285
02/21/2024
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Reflection on Exploring Relationships
Examining my friendships reveals a consistent positive pattern of loyalty and reliability. For instance, during a challenging time in a friend's life, my consistent emotional support served as a testament to the strength of our connection, solidifying trust and bonds. This loyalty has become foundational in cultivating lasting relationships built on mutual respect and shared experiences. When I came to college, I knew I wanted to form stronger more meaningful bonds with my friends. As a Senior, I have accomplished that goal and couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Effective communication stands out as another positive pattern in my romantic relationships. The
ability to express emotions openly has been instrumental in fostering intimacy. During a significant decision-making moment with a partner, maintaining open communication allowed us
to navigate the situation, ultimately strengthening our connection. I’ve learned in this course how
learning about failures can prevent myself from making the same mistakes (Gottman, 1999). Although in the text from Gottman this was applied to marriage, I think this can apply to friendships as well. My friends and I have learned from our past mistakes and know how to prevent it from happening again in the future.
Communication is key in having a strong relationship with a person. I also have been focusing more on my connections with my significant other rather than just my communication, as talked about in our studies from the John Howard chapter. “Having healthier relationships teaches us how to be more caring, respectful, empathetic human beings and conveys a sense of peace in ourselves, in our homes, and in our communities” (Howard, 2022). Challenges are inherent in any relationship. In friendships, a specific incident involving miscommunication with a close friend comes to mind. A misunderstanding about one friend’s words to another led to temporary tension but addressing the issue openly and honestly not only diffused the situation but also
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Reflection on Exploring Relationships
strengthened the friendship. These challenges, though momentarily disruptive, contribute to the growth and resilience of these relationships. In romantic relationships, a recurring challenge is my reluctance to directly address conflicts. During differing opinions on a significant decision, avoiding confrontation led to unresolved issues and emotional distance. Recognizing this pattern is crucial for personal growth and the improvement of future relationships. The manifestation of my attachment style is evident in both friendships and romantic relationships. In friendships, a secure attachment style is showcased by the ease with which personal thoughts and feelings are shared. However, in moments of stress or uncertainty, an anxious attachment tendency emerges, leading to occasional concerns about the depth of the connection. In romantic relationships, the secure attachment style is exemplified by the comfort with emotional intimacy. Still, there are instances where anxious attachment tendencies surface, particularly during periods of uncertainty about the future of the relationship. Acknowledging these tendencies is a crucial step in understanding and improving relationship dynamics. While my initial motivation for taking this course was academic, the practical applications in personal relationships have become increasingly apparent. The course provides valuable insights into attachment theories, effective communication strategies, and conflict resolution techniques. These tools are indispensable for navigating the complexities of friendships and romantic relationships, fostering healthier and more fulfilling connections.
Drawing parallels with the authors we are studying this semester, my personal experiences and the desire to improve relationships motivate my engagement with this course. Similar to their research motivations, my journey aligns with fostering healthier and more meaningful
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Reflection on Exploring Relationships
connections. The lessons learned from their work become a guide for understanding and navigating the intricacies of human relationships.
In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis of my friendships and romantic relationships has unveiled both positive patterns and challenges. The course on relationships, initially undertaken as a requirement, has evolved into a rich resource for gaining insights that I can apply to enhance
the quality of my interactions. By understanding and implementing the knowledge gained, I aim to navigate relationships with increased understanding, resilience, and effectiveness.