Two Parts in All Relationships
As far as I can see, relationships can be boiled down to two (2) parts:
Practical needs
Emotional needs
There’s no way around these two categories. Many people get into and have relationships with others without discussing their practical and emotional needs. I highly-recommend discussions about these needs, their definitions, and living them as real-life examples (walk the talk). Don’t walk into relationships blindly and/or assuming it will all just fall into place when x, y or z happens.
Be sure to be very clear about from where and how you and the others in your life get each of your practical and emotional needs met:
Practical needs can entail any of the following functional tasks and more. Some practical categories can also meet emotional needs due to also fostering emotional stability:
earning income
managing finances
shopping & purchase decisions
car maintenance & repairs
household maintenance & repairs
household chores
menu planning and food shopping
food prep, cooking, & cleanup
errands & transportation
heath maintenance and care (food, sleep, exercise/movement)
loved ones’ care (children, elderly, etc.)
loved ones’ education & activities
physical safety for self and family
schedules, routines, time management & organization
goals and missions
task to-do lists
Here are some categories which fall under emotional needs—pertaining to self and with others. Some of these areas simply do not matter to some people.
There are varying degrees of each of these needs. For example, some people want to learn and grow just a little bit (or not at all); others consider learning and growing an on-going, daily and life-long endeavor.
learning & growing
healing
self-awareness and consciousness
self-reflection
resilience
communication
transparency
honesty
authenticity
sincerity
accountability
being known
knowing others
emotional maturity
connection
empathy
ability to stand alone with convictions and morals
self-reliance and independence
prioritizing
focused and determination
inner strength
sensitivity
compatibility
being on the same page, speaking the same ‘language’
being relatable
sharing of thoughts, ideas, beliefs, interests, perspectives, annoyances, concerns, struggles, experiences, preferences, opinions, passions, gifts, skills, etc.
loyalty
mutually-made agreements
commitment
exclusivity
reliability
emotional protection
boundaries (with self, with others, around relationships)
clarity
simplicity
peace
fulfillment
personal responsibility (in self and in others)
motivated and driven
passionate about some things
discernment
vitality
heath & well-being
sense of belonging
being included
being invited
devotion & dedication
trust
security
vulnerability
undertanding of each person’s mutually agreed-upon roles and participation in relationships
stability
being a priority
ability to read & access people, non-verbal communication & situations
intimacy and affection
brainstorming
trouble-shooting and problem-resolution
working together
collaborating with others
intellectual discussions
small / light-hearted talk
humor
companionship
socializing (partner, relatives, housemates, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, strangers)
time alone
entertainment
time at home
time out in the world
time in nature
Do you need coaching? Please contact me. I’d love to help you.