Relationships
SOCIAL MEDIA, FRIENDSHIPS, AND FAMILY
SOCIAL MEDIA
Research Question: Does social media enhance good relationships or destroy them?
Q: How can I ensure that I have a successful relationship in the future?
A: In relation to social media the best way to have a successful relationship in the future is to use such websites and apps responsibly, or not at all. To ensure you are being responsible do not say anything online you would not be prepared to say to someone in person, do not post anything that you wouldn’t want on a billboard on the freeway, do not say or post anything that could degrade or hurt another person, do not be friends with, follow or message people who are not your friends in real life, and take all the steps you can to making sure your privacy is protected.
FRIENDSHIPS
Research Question: How does one know the difference between a healthy and unhealthy friendship?
UNHEALTHY FRIENDSHIPS
In unhealthy friendships, people often tease, gossip, spread rumors and act mean towards one another. There is no mutual respect within the friendship and it does not allow each other to grow and change. Unhealthy friendships requires one to act in a way that someone else wants you to act in order to be accepted.
Common traits in an unhealthy friendship..
-Rude and destructive communication:
Honesty is important, however not if it is said in a hurting and rude manner. If your friend constantly gives you negative feedback that leaves you feeling bad about yourself, this is a sign that they are beginning to tear you down to make themselves feel better.
-They bring out the worst in you: Its important that your friend is always able to help you make the right choices. However, sometimes friends begin to guide you in the wrong direction and do not provide positive influences.
-Negative judgment:
This is when your friend does not accept your decisions and choices in life. This can ruin your self-confidence and leave you feeling hurt.
Sometimes, people know they’re in an unhealthy friendship but decide to stay because they’re afraid to let go and they don’t want to lose that connection. But its important to find the courage to leave a friendship that may be poisonous and destructive in order for us to find a healthy friendship that will allow us to benefit from.
Qualities in a healthy friendship…
-Equality:
Both friends receive the same amount of support, care and appreciation in the friendship.
-Common interests:
If there are common interests, the friendship is able to expand and have fun together. This creates interaction which is enjoyed by all individuals.
-Commitment to each others happiness:
A true friend is always looking out for your happiness and wellbeing. They want the best for you and share the pain that you go through.
-Communication:
Communication is a very important step in establishing a friendship. Friendships will always go through tough times, this is when communication becomes a necessity. In order for the friendship to survive, you need to talk to one another and express your feelings to overcome the situation
FAMILY
Research Question: Are there different types of family relationships? How are these categorised?
· Adoptive family
· Blended family
· Single parent family
· Nuclear family (traditional family)
Adoptive families
Adoption is a vital procedure in which one person or persons will take to seek the parenting of another. In doing so they permanently take upon all the care and responsibilities for that child. Unlike guardianship or other forms of temporary care of a young, adoption is a permanent change and requires societal approval either from the government or religious consent. Adoptive families also result from homosexual couples, infertile couples etc.
Blended families
A blended family is better known as a step family. Where one parent has children(s) that are not at all related to the other parent. The children are often from past relationships. They can find it hard to adjust to the changes and for some children, this expanded family system is a positive turn of events but for most, it presents difficult adjustments. Research has found that children of remarriage are likely to experience difficulty in accepting the marriage.
Single parent families
Single parent families have become more common among the years and generally consist of a household with a solo parent who does not live with their spouse or partner. They have most of the day-to-day responsibilities in raising the child or children. The parent the child lives with is usually seen to be the primary caregiver. The children often adapt to their new life however others sadly become emotionally distress and decline in areas such as school etc.
Nuclear families
Nuclear families are better known as two parent household families and their children. The main advantages of a nuclear family are that they are more likely to be surrounded in a stable environment, have behavioural stability, a sense of consistency and shared responsibility. Nuclear families are generally easier to maintain.