Choosing The Right RELATIONSHIPS One can notice a diference when in the company of good people. For example, when I was in high school, I loved the fact that there were friends I could hang out. joke, and travel with. Once those friendships ended, the new friendships are the ones I actually needed. These friends constantly feed positive energy into me and make me feel that I am naturally a part of them and that I don’t have to struggle to fit in. It feels great to have friends to walk side by side in the journey of life.
By Kaitlyn Anderson
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ome of the most important things in life are relationships, some of which could be a family member, boyfriend, partner, husband, or friend. Relationships can affect people emotionally, spiritually, and mentally and can be a positive influence in life. These positive people are “good company” and can encourage us toward emotional and mental well-being. Individuals can build healthy relationships to connect with a variety of people on different levels and achieve a healthy and happy life. It is a natural human desire to connect with others. After high school graduation, I took a semester off before going to college while most of my friends were in college. I became depressed because I was already dealing with other issues. Once I joined a small group, I found positive friends with whom I could relate, which helped me be much less lonely and depressed.
SIGNS OF POSITIVE, HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS INCLUDE:
My friends encourage me to be better and do better, giving me strength and bravery to step out of my comfort zone more than I ever have before. These steps have led to many open doors, and I am still walking through new doors that lead to more blessings. My friends walk with me through those doors. They believed in me, even when I had stopped believing in myself. Christian friends encourage a strong relationship with God, wisdom on how to get closer to Him, and how to not lose faith when life gets tough.
• The opportunity to communicate without feeling judged or judging the other person • The ability to listen respectfully to one another • The choice of taking time for each other • Engagement in positive, fun, active activities with each other • Ability to be honest with each other • Trust for each other • Respect for each other Support for each another
This quote encouraged me to write this article. “Bad Company Ruins Good Morals. Lord, please send the one that is good for my soul, the one that will encourage me to you and not to sin.” This quote can be a prayer. As a Christian it is important that I surround myself with other Christians, those who have the same values, morals, and beliefs as I, who encourage me to do the right thing and understand me. This sets us on the right path toward a happier life.
WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE
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