- They allow you to connect to people on a closer level
- You learn how to give and take
- You learn trust, dependence, love, and affection
- You have someone to keep you warm at night (for intimate relationships)
- You have someone to confide in and to keep your secrets
- Teach you how to be socially appropriate
- Provides stability and support (mentally, physically, and financially)
- Helps to set the foundations for new relationships
Identify several people with whom you currently have positive relationships
- My fiance Cameron, my sister and my niece, my dad and step-mom, my fiance's family, my co-workers, the students that I work with, and tons of friends
- These relationships are positive through the support, compassion, love, and affection that is shown between me and the ones that I am close with. Factors that contributed to developing and maintaining these relationships are patience, trust, loyalty, compassion, kindness, empathy, and forgiveness.
Insights regarding challenges to developing and maintaining relationships
- Some don't like to compromise because they are set in their ways
- Some are not willing to open themselves up to others
- Some find it hard to consider someone else's feeling other than their own
- Some have huge problems with communication
- Some have to be in control of everything -- dominating
What do you see as special characteristics of these relationships that make some, if any, partnerships?
- Similar personalities
- Common likes and dislikes
- Similar demeanor
- Ethics
- A common bond (ex. going golfing)
- Making financial together
- Consideration of the other persons opinion, feeling, and thoughts
- Honesty and trust
- Open communication
How might you experiences with relationships/partnerships, including your ability to be an active, reflective contributor, impact your work as an effective early childhood professional?
I have a lot of patience, and I am a people person. Having people in my life, such as friends and family, is hugely important to me. I am loving, compassionate, caring, trustworthy, and understanding. All of that will make me an awesome teacher. I currently work at a school district, with children of all ages. I find it very important to connect with them on their own level, and to build a trustworthy, yet authoritative relationship with all of them. I want to be someone that they feel comfortable with, yet at the same time I want them to know that I am their teacher and there are things that have to be done. My goal is to teach them not only to succeed in their educational lives, but also in their societal lives.
