Values in Relationships (cont.)

On January 25th, I was talking about the importance of the underlying shared values that keep the longevity of relationships. In that post I stated that one of the core values is supporting PERSONAL GROWTH of the partner in the relationship. For a relationship to continue, both partners msut be supportive of personal growth opportunities.

Recently, I saw a play at the Belfry Theatre titled “Honour”. I won't get into the plot but within the play the husband and wife ended up separated. One of the underlying themes was that the woman had given up her career as a writer to support her husband's career. At the end of the play as a single woman she had gone back to her writing. I suspect if her career and growth were truly supported earlier on, the marriage may have stayed intact. (Not really the gist of the play but something to reflect upon.)

I suspect that many relationships have grown apart when one or both sides have had a hand at stifling the partner's personal growth.

Next we'll look at the value of challenging the partner to grow and develop.