The Gifts of Interpersonal Relationships

Our Spring Semester began three weeks ago and on the day of my first Interpersonal Communication classes, I asked the students to brainstorm a list of qualities that they seek in interpersonal relationships. We subsequently called it the Gifts of Relationships. Here are some of the qualities  they listed:

* Affection          * Attention              * Admiration      * Appreciation     * Acceptance
* Honesty            * Time                     * Advice             * Gratitude          * Compassion
* Respect             * Encouragement    * Listening Ear   * Happiness         * Kindness

* Support             * Loyalty                 * Forgiveness     * Humor              * Affirmation             
* Empathy           * Monogamy           * Security           * Commitment    * Companionship

* Gentleness        * Tenderness           * Growth            * Spirituality        * Sex

*Shared Interests * Conversation        * Safety              * Friendship        * Attraction
* Celebration of our uniqueness          * Conflict resolution skills             * Patience

Now we will spend the rest of the semester discussing how we communicate these qualities, verbally and non-verbally, in our relationships with loved ones. 

Oh, you thought we were going to spend the semester talking about how we can make our lovers, family, and friends fulfill these needs for us? If these are the qualities that you hope to see flourish
in your relationships, then you must open your channels and let them stream freely through you.

What? You think you might drop the class? Please don't. Keep coming back!