Finding “the One” Attraction Interest Ideas Obsession Google-stalking Friends’ opinions Second Sense Copyright 2016

Infatuation On best behavior Best face forward Only the positives Second Sense Copyright 2016

Honeymoon is Over “Where is this all going?” Warts are starting to show “What do I really want?” Second Sense Copyright 2016

Life Partners? Yes! Values and goals match. Part of the “quality” in quality of life No! For many reasons…lack of common aim, poor communication, no time together Second Sense Copyright 2016

Introspection First Why are you setting up a support group? Do you really have the time? Are you emotionally in a good place to be able to support others? Second Sense Copyright 2016

Decide on the Details Meeting frequency, time and location Attracting group members (marketing) Meeting content: Speakers? Social time? Discussion topics? Planning and record keeping Second Sense Copyright 2016

Think Big Picture What is the purpose of the group? Plan ahead on the calendar: group members need to feel that the group will be there for them Plan for the day you will stop being the group leader Second Sense Copyright 2016

Lead the Group Humans are happier when they know what to expect and who to turn to for simple decisions As leader, you have permission given to you by the group to control the flow of discussion and pace of the meeting—use it! Encourage group cohesiveness by delegating tasks and creating reasons for interaction Second Sense Copyright 2016

Maintain a Balance Group members / families and friends Educational meeting content / Social time Regular meeting times / Special events Vision loss / the rest of your group member Your job / running the support group Second Sense Copyright 2016

Expect the Unexpected Your vision for the group doesn’t match the group’s idea of the group The meeting where nobody shows up The group member who thinks they are in charge Second Sense Copyright 2016

Keep it Alive Listen to the needs (emotional, social, etc.) expressed by members and address them through a variety of meeting formats (speakers, outings, workshops, discussions) Never stop attracting new members—know your referral sources and enlist help from group members to spread the word Be open to change Second Sense Copyright 2016

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