Page 24 - Fourways Gardens June 2021

Lifestyle

thirty-Five queStionS

to iMprove your

relAtionShipS

I As a coach, I am always looking for ways to You will need:
have had many conversations and
45 minutes of uninterrupted time together.
increase the overall well-being of my clients
coaching sessions lately with people
who are questioning the quality of their
and the community, and I remembered
relationships – especially nowadays
University of New York. He and his colleagues
the questions from SET 1. Each person
with the effect the COVID pandemic has reading a study by Arthur Aron from the State For the first 15 minutes, take turns asking
had on personal connection. created a series of questions designed to should answer each question, but in
increase closeness in a relationship. I have alternating order, so that a different
The theme of quality over quantity is included them here for you to try. person goes first each time. After 15
becoming more prevalent. minutes, move on to SET 2 even if you
Getting started: have not completed SET 1. Again after
COVID has indeed been awful for Find someone that you would like to be another 15 minutes, move to SET 3.
human relationships in general because closer to. Whether it is love you are after
connecting with others fulfils our or a deeper bond with those around Each set of questions elicits deeper
basic psychological needs. The need you, these questions are a useful way to and more thoughtful answers than the
to belong to something and the need improve your relationships with family previous set.
to feel accepted lies deep within our members, friends and acquaintances.
subconscious minds. Without it, or with
it reduced to such a degree, significant Before diving into this, make sure you and
mental health problems are caused. your chosen companion for the exercise
are comfortable sharing personal thoughts
and feelings.

Fourways Gardens • 22 • June 2021