We all have these. Sometimes, they can be the most wonderful treasure this world has to offer. At other times, they can break your heart. I'm talking about relationships. Everybody has a myriad of different relationships in this adventure called life. Each relationship has its own dynamics, its own foibles, and its own language. We interact with parents, children, siblings, co-workers, spouses, authority, and, for some, even God. The greatest resource of joy, progress, hope, and prosperity is in connections with each other.

But the problem is that the way we develop, sustain, and communicate in relationships is unhealthy. The reason they are unhealthy is because we as individuals bring error into them from the past and from harmful views of ourselves. If you can't think healthy about yourself, how can you interrelate with others in beneficial relationships? How can you have a strong family and an intimate love life if you don't know how to communicate or meet each other's needs? What would be the purpose of building friendships if you don't know how to nurture and sustain them?

This book is designed to answer all those questions and more. Each chapter builds on how to improve yourself, your self-image, and the relationships around you. You will discover from documented research how your brain works in diverse situations, the different ways you handle conflict, how to communicate effectively with others, and how to build the theme of "Us-ness" in life's important relationships and much more.

Relationships for LIFE

How to Improve Yourself and the Relationships around YouBy Richard Marks Johnny Earl Jones

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2011 Dr. Richard Marks With Johnny Earl Jones
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4520-8206-6

Contents

CHAPTER 1: The Anatomy Of A Relationship.........................................................1CHAPTER 2: Image Is Everything...................................................................7CHAPTER 3: How To Make Life And Relationships Work: The Bible And Your Brain.....................15CHAPTER 4: The Art Of Interacting................................................................27CHAPTER 5: Building Relationship Bridges.........................................................35CHAPTER 6: Acceptance And Security...............................................................47CHAPTER 7: Connectedness Needs...................................................................59CHAPTER 8: Forgiveness Is Crucial................................................................69CHAPTER 9: Understanding Their Language..........................................................85CHAPTER 10: Guard Your Heart.....................................................................93CHAPTER 11: Speak Well And Listen Well...........................................................107CHAPTER 12: Respect And Communication............................................................113CHAPTER 13: Who's Most Important?................................................................131CHAPTER 14: Ingredients For Intimacy.............................................................141CHAPTER 15: Caress Your Relationship.............................................................153CHAPTER 16: Naked And Not Ashamed—Sex And Marriage.........................................163CHAPTER 17: What He Wants. What She Wants........................................................177CHAPTER 18: The Role Of A Husband................................................................189CHAPTER 19: The Role Of A Wife...................................................................205CHAPTER 20: Life Priorities......................................................................215

Chapter One

THE ANATOMY OF A RELATIONSHIP

We all have them. We can't live without them. Because of them, life can be difficult and even painful. Without them existence would be dull. I'm talking about relationships, and individuals have myriads of them to wade through. Our lives span a wide spectrum of relationships: parents, children, spouses, friends, co-workers, bosses, employees, church-folk, acquaintances, strangers, mentors, protégés, teachers, students, God, and other interests.

Obviously, each relationship is unique and has different dynamics. You wouldn't communicate the same way to your spouse as you would to fellow co-workers. And your affinity with God should be distinctive compared to your conversation with a stranger. Because we travel through such a wide range of relationships, we have to learn the different dialects of each one to enjoy them fully. This book provides the useful tools needed to enhance yourself and your daily relationships to be healthy, vibrant, and connected.

We interact with a variety people who play different roles in our lives, but here's the problem: many of our relationships are unhealthy. We don't often practice the deftness necessary in building strong, lasting, loyal, and trusting interaction. The main reason we don't develop our relationships to their optimum is because we don't know how and because we already have ingrained in us examples set by our parents, friends, or some authority figure. We don't have to continue destructive or damaging habits though. When we educate ourselves on how to gain, protect, and enhance our relationships, frustration dwindles while understanding and compassion begin to bloom.

Each relationship role has exclusive rules to be adhered. But to succeed in those there are basic tenets that can be followed and practiced.

Who wants a lifetime of shallow, meaningless relationships?

Who wants to be so consumed with success and wealth that you neglect all who are dearest to you? When a person is terribly ill or despondent, they never ask for the company of their sports car or a pile of their cash piled around the table lamp. In times of need, you would like to know there are people by your side who care about you and love you. No material good can comfort you; therefore, none should supersede your daily closeness with people.

That is the issue: closeness. We deal with people everyday. We live with spouses and children, or with parents, relatives or guardians. We make important decisions that affect the very lives of other individuals. But is there any semblance of closeness, of trust, or of emotional vulnerability? Sadly, for the majority of people the answer is No.

Marriages get strained and torn apart.

Friendships grow cold and fade into nothing.

Employers and employees draw lines in the sand and declare each other enemies.

Why are relationships so easy to start but so difficult to sustain?

There is a euphoria attached to meeting someone new, portraying an image to that person, and causing that individual to think you are something special. But when the novelty wears off, the mask is removed, and reality sets in, the relationship takes on the need for maintenance and communication. Since many don't know how to do this, they don't endure or bring reconciliation when misunderstanding or conflict results. You may drop that relationship like a soft drink bottle that's been sucked dry and move on to the next one, carrying those same patterns into each new relationship.

In my young adult years I (Johnny) never had any meaningful friendships, nor was I close to my parents or siblings. I was what you'd call a "navy brat," which meant I was the son of a sailor whose family would be uprooted and moved every six to eighteen months. I didn't learn relational skills from my folks because either my dad was out at sea for extended periods, or if when he was home, he and my mom were always in conflict, particularly since both drank heavily. Since we were always on the move, I learned how to make friends quickly because I knew I'd lose them quickly. Never was there a time when I practiced longevity skills in friendships, because if someone disappointed me and hurt me, I'd hold a grudge and not extend forgiveness. That relationship would die, but so what? I'd be moving in a couple of months again anyway and make new acquaintances. That pattern lasted even into my adult years, but when my own Navy tour was over and I decided to settle down, I discovered the harsh truth that lack of relationship skills was not conducive to meaningful, lasting interaction. I realized if I held grudges and was unforgiving to everyone who I perceived had wronged me, it wouldn't be long before I was isolated and alone.

Many of us have gotten to the point where we feel isolated and alone.

You might think, "The reason why I'm not appreciated is because nobody understands me. If people weren't so shallow they'd take the time to know me then they'd like me. They don't know what they're missing out on."

The main problem with building relationships is we place the bulk of the responsibility on the other person while shouldering little or none of it. Each must give and take to make it succeed. Readiness to change, enhance, and pardon must be instilled in you if you want to interact maturely. As Dr. James McDonald, pastor of Harvest Bible Church says, "Each relationship must have several big forgivenesses and a truckload of small forgivenesses."

We are going to look at skills in this book that will dramatically improve all your relationships because what is going to be challenged is the way you think about yourself, the reason you act and react a certain way, as well as why other people will either accept or reject your actions, words, and attitudes.

The anatomy of a relationship seems complex, but when you choose to put effort into it and are willing to sacrifice your pride and selfishness, your interaction with others becomes your greatest joy and treasure.

You will discover "Aha" moments as you turn the pages, when you realize why certain things you said or did produced negative results. You'll also see how relationships can be knit so tightly through communication tools that you'll never want to go back to living in an environment of misunderstanding. You'll gain such confidence you'd be embarrassed to throw a "pity party."

There are several components that make a relational anatomy:

-Emotions -Communication -Understanding -Closeness -Rationality -Perception -Sacrifice -Purpose, et al.

Unashamed, this guide to the foundation of relationships is Biblically based. We'll turn to the Creator of relationships and His wisdom. Who better to tell us how to interact effectively than the One who made us?

Relationships aren't just about having people in our lives; it's about living a life allowing you the privilege of being a blessing, a joy, an encouragement, and an example to others. Relationships are more than just taking what someone else has to offer, but giving back to the relationship so it can grow and flourish.

Jesus Christ was once asked, "Which is the most important commandment?"

He replied, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: love your neighbor as yourself."

The Lord emphasizes it's all about relationships, with God and with your fellow man.

The Us-ness Principle

Every relationship has its specific needs for maintenance and prosperity. Each one can operate efficiently when you have all the aspects in place. Some have inferred it takes three people to make a great relationship; this definitely is true in the case of the most intricate human relationship—marriage. The principles we're about to look at will work in all relationship circles and improve them vastly.

Let's take a marriage as an example. The first and most important person in that marriage is Almighty Christ Jesus, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Christians know Christ is their source of strength, wisdom, peace, knowledge, joy, and love. As long as Christ is the foundation of anything you do, the favor and goodness of God rests on all your endeavors. Christ is the one who makes marriages work. He guides us. He protects us from the evil one's spiritual attacks when we're following Christ. He's given us spiritual principles and promises to bless our every day lives. Needless to say, Christ is paramount in the upkeep of a great marriage. Obviously, the other two people are the man and the woman, but let's say Jesus steps back for this illustration. We still need three people to make a successful marriage. It takes him, her, and—'Us.'

"'Us' is the third person?" you may ask.

Yes. The Bible describes briefly the world's first marriage ordained by God Himself. Listen to what Adam said.

"At last!" Adam exclaimed. "She is part of my own flesh and bone! She will be called 'woman' because she was taken out of man." This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one (Genesis 2:23-24).

Before matrimony, there were two separate and distinct personalities who are interested in each other. Each has their own history, experiences, likes, and dislikes. When they marry something happens: the two become one. So where does 'Us' come in? And why is it so important? 'Us' is two individuals dying to their own agendas and lovingly sacrificing for the good of the other.

You might say, "If both of us are doing nothing but trying to make the other person happy, then neither us of will really be fulfilled."

When two become 'us' it doesn't mean they stop being individuals with their own needs, but it does mean when your mate wants to be with you and do things you don't particularly care for, you are willing to accept it and enjoy your time together.

My wife likes to visit the mall. I detest going there. But if she wants to go and she wants me by her side, even though I don't care for it, 'Us' likes it. 'Us' is the unity that is built between two people that leads to intimacy. Intimacy isn't necessarily sexual; that's only reserved for marriage because wedlock was designed for the safety of the couple. True intimacy means you've developed a closeness that cultivates trust and peace. Sometimes intimacy can grow so deep your mate doesn't even have to say anything to you, and you'll know what they need. Us-ness exterminates selfishness and breeds intense love and friendship. Marriage is not a 50/50 proposition. Neither is any other relationship. If one person gives 50%, and the other gives 50%, they are doomed. If both aren't giving 100% each to the marriage, or to any other relationship, it'll be strained by selfishness and self-centeredness.

If the King of the Universe places top priority on relationships with Himself and with others, we should receive that wisdom and realize the greatest treasures in this life have nothing to do with what we own or how big our bank account is, but who we know and enjoy being with.

The evangelist Billy Graham was once invited as a guest to a tropical island where he had lunch with an extremely rich businessman. This businessman lived in a marvelous mansion by the sea. He had a huge pool, a scenic view, a personal dock where moored was a private boat. The man seemed to have everything, but he confessed to Dr. Graham that his life seemed so empty. His life consisted of the things he was able to achieve, but it was void of any meaningful relationships. Later Dr. Graham visited the other side of the island where an elderly pastor lived. This pastor had a simple home, and he lived in poverty. His wife was sick, so he spent much of his day caring for her. Billy Graham spent the afternoon with him and couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between this aged pastor and the wealthy businessman. The businessman owned immense wealth, but still felt hollow because he lacked the riches every person needs: a loving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and with friends and loved ones. Although owning little, the pastor was full of life and excitement. He was rich in his relationships with the Lord, his wife, his friends, and his congregation.

Chapter Two

IMAGE IS EVERYTHING

BUILDING THE REAL 'YOU'

When I was a graduate professor in Virginia Beach, I was approached by one of my female master's students and she inquired, "Dr. Marks, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Of course," I replied.

"Why are you so obnoxious?"

Fair question, I thought before I replied, "It's my ministry."

"What?"

"It's a ministry I have."

"What do you mean by that?" she asked, bewildered.

I answered her question with my own. "What's the number one mental health problem in America?"

After a moment of thought, she begins listing several DSM4 diagnoses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

"No, think about it. What do most Americans struggle with outside of DSM4s?"

"Well, self-image, I guess."

"Exactly. Americans are plagued by low self-esteem," I said before I looked to her quizzically and asked, "Why do people have low self-esteem?"

"Because they have tendency to compare themselves to people they think are better or are more prosperous than they are," she said.

"Exactly. Now here's how it works—when people see me acting the way I do, they inherently think to themselves, at least I'm not like him. At that moment their self-esteem raises. It's a ministry of mine."

"That's bizarre," she said and walked away.

Everyone longs for healthy self-esteem. We all want to portray a positive, confident self-image. So why does it seem to evade so many? Maybe it's because we don't know what a healthy self-image is supposed to look like.

What is self-esteem?

Some might say self-esteem is simply knowing who you are. Others might say its liking who you are. Yet others might say it's confidence you have in yourself, or it's how you perceive yourself. These all sound good but they aren't the foundation of self-esteem. Can you perceive yourself a certain way and have a good self-esteem? Sure. Some serial killers have great self-esteem. They are good at their trade, and they have confidence in themselves.

So what really is self-esteem?

Simply, it's the value and worth you place on yourself.

Well, if self-esteem is the value and worth you place on yourself, and most people have a poor self-esteem, it would seem only obvious not many people look favorably on themselves. Until you can view yourself as having intrinsic dignity and merit, it will be hard for you to establish lasting, healthy relationships with other people. Before you begin tackling the intricacies of interacting with other folks, you must nail down exactly who you are and what you stand for. By knowing who you are and valuing yourself as the person God made you to be, you portray the confidence and self-esteem so many long for. You will become winsome and a joy to others. And you won't suck the life out of people.

If you've got a poor self-image how do you refashion it? Can you totally undo what a lifetime of wrong thinking has formed you into?

The answer is a simple 'yes.' The pathway is quite intricate and will take effort. Change won't happen aside from self-sacrifice, self-evaluation, and hard work. As the saying goes, "If you want to be someone else, change your mind." You don't have to live your life as a victim, a toadie, or an aimless follower. You can take charge of your life by changing your mind, your attitude, and your level of faith. We are about to walk a path which can transform you forever. Keep your mind alert and be prepared to be challenged.

Where do people develop their self-image? Some may say from the family. What about family helps you develop worth? Maybe, it's when parents give you feedback that the things you accomplish gives you value. "You know, I'm really proud of you when you get good grades." Would that build your self-esteem? One of the things we have today, even in Christian homes, is a performance-based identity and value. According to that, all of your value and worth is based on how well you perform or achieve the goal someone else has for you.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Relationships for LIFEby Richard Marks Johnny Earl Jones Copyright © 2011 by Dr. Richard Marks With Johnny Earl Jones. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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