1. Strengthening Relationships A Life Skills Workshop Presented by Dr. Lowell G. Roddy, LMFT Assistant Director, Counseling & Testing

2. “To have a friend, be a friend.”

3. Relationship Relationship: the state of being related. Related Related: 1. connected by some understood relationship. 2. connected through membership in the same family. CONNECTION. The key is CONNECTION.

4. Relationship Assumptions 1.Successful relationships are basic to successful living. 2.Keeping relationships healthy deserves a high priority. 3.Your marriage or significant other is your most important relationship. 4.You can learn to understand how to make your relationship work.

5. Types of Relationships Family relationships Occasional (“anonymous”) relationships – clerks, waiters Casual relationships (acquaintances) – some people at work, professors, classmates Friendships – people with whom you seek interactions, whose company you enjoy Romantic relationships – passionate, emotional connection, usually reciprocal

6. Aspects of Friendship Keeps confidence Loyalty Warmth/affection Supportiveness Frankness Sense of humor Willingness to make time for me Independence Good conversationalist Intelligence Social conscience

7. Six Rules for Friends Share news of success with a friend. Show emotional support. Volunteer help in time of need. Strive to make a friend happy when in each other’s company. Trust and confide in each other. Stand up for a friend in his/her absence.

8. Development of a Close Relationship Zero contact Stage 1: unilateral contact Stage 2: bilateral contact Stage 3: mutuality

9. Close Relationships Relatively long-lasting Frequent interaction Mutual activities Impact of interactions is strong