.png)
One of the best known models of what motivates people is Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. One of Maslow's theories about what drives people is that they become driven in life when their physical and mental needs are met, such as their need for love and belonging. This means that our relationships can help reduce and/or improve mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Filipinos are known to be "collectivistic," which implies that our culture is more focused on connecting and collaborating with others in order to create community stability and resilience. Furthermore, we frequently hear the term "kapwa," which refers to a sense of connection and shared identity with one another. For this reason, being with the right people makes us happy and more content with our lives.
Now, we're not just talking about being with the right person romantically. As relational beings, we form and maintain different relationships throughout our lives. Relationships are more than romantic and passionate encounters. People have relationships, which can be good or bad and range from familial to casual. These impact our lives and well-being, including our beliefs, how we live, how we interact with others, and (sometimes) how we perceive ourselves.
.png)
What kinds of connections can have an impact on our lives? As you read, consider how they affect your life and how to build a healthy relationship with them.
1. Intrapersonal Relationships. Our "collectivistic" upbringing may cause us to put the needs of our loved ones above our own, leading us to neglect our own well-being. We're still getting used to setting boundaries and working on ourselves, but they're important and not selfish.
The term "intrapersonal relationship" refers to our relationship with ourselves. This is where self-awareness, self-talk, self-care, and personal goals and aspirations come into play. As much as we cherish our interpersonal relationships, it is essential to remember how our relationship with ourselves affects our mental health, decision-making skills, and how we interact with one another.
2. Interpersonal Relationships. This is the type of relationship we have with those around us. They help us improve our social and (interpersonal) communication skills, which are essential for feeling like we belong in our surroundings.some text
A. Romantic
When we sense someone liking us, pursuing us, or falling in love, this form of connection always brings us kilig. Attraction between two individuals initiates a romantic relationship. This interest can range from infatuation to closeness to commitment. Over time, the first emotions become less strong while trust, commitment, and emotional closeness grow.
People think you have a good position when you get married or find a partner, but when you're single, they often ask, "Why are you single, ineng?" "Ay mataray ka siguro?" "Ang taas kasi ng standard mo, eh." Additionally, this makes some people feel more stressed, especially when they are asked often, "Kailan ka na mag-boyfriend?" "Kailan ka na ikakasal?"
B. Platonic
This sort of connection with another person or group of people includes a close yet personal bond with one another that does not require sex. This is frequently characterized by closeness, honesty, affection, comprehension, support, and acceptance. When discussing platonic relationships, we prefer to use the terms "friends" or "friendship."
These ties provide social support while also lowering the likelihood of stress and anxiety, both of which are beneficial to one's health. It can also develop into a romantic or sexual relationship, depending on the individual in the friendship. Friends-with-benefits or friends-to-lovers situations are examples of this shift.
C. Familial
Our relationships with family and relatives are just as essential as our romantic or platonic ones. This is where we learn how to socialize. In addition to family relationships, we consider our "chosen" family (i.e., friends) to be family, and we sometimes prefer to spend more time with them because of the difficulties in our home lives.
D. Work
We frequently form these bonds with our coworkers and bosses, depending on our working conditions or simply who we’re with in the department. Job satisfaction is a crucial part of our lives, and the relationships we create there can either help or hinder our work, as well as help us feel better understood about the issues we face at work. As the cliché goes, working with good people makes things easier.
E. Community groups
Being a member of a community, whether religious, cultural, or hobby-based, can provide a person with a sense of belonging. These groups also help us cultivate and grow into our interests, which is essential for self-care.
F. Casual relationships
People might think that this kind of connection is only sexual, but it comes in various forms and is more than that because it includes our few interactions and shared experiences.
Our exchanges with people we know (i.e., acquaintances), like our favorite server at our favorite restaurant, our suki at the wet market (also called palengke), or that schoolmate who always smiles at you when you walk by, can make someone's day better. Friends with benefits, situationships, or open relationships can be enjoyable for some people but can be detrimental to others' self-esteem.
These types of relationships are important because they help us socialize and make sense of our communities and selves. Evaluate the impact of your relationships on you and set boundaries with your connections to nurture both yourself and your relationships. As Father Jaime Bulatao stated, "our roots go deep into the earth and intermingle with each other," and by discovering and nourishing the connections that we have, we also care for ourselves.
Reference:
Mental Health
Breaking the Silence: The Importance of Men’s Mental Health Awareness
November is Global Men's Health Awareness Month. Find out why it's important to talk about men's mental health and how to start a chat with them when things are tough.
November 21, 2024
Self-Care
Letting go: 5 Ways to Move Forward Mindfully
Discover the difference between "moving on" and "moving forward," along with mindful strategies to progress while honoring our experiences throughout our healing journey.
November 20, 2024
Relationships
The Sound Relationship House: How to Build Better Relationships
Explore the Sound Relationship House Theory to learn how to improve your relationship with your partner.
November 13, 2024
.svg)
