You have been in relationship since the moment you were born. You have been instinctually and unconsciously connecting with other human beings. Letting instinct guide your relationships may have worked at one point in your life, but most likely, it hasn’t always served you well. It turns out that relationship have a natural course of development. Understanding how relationships work best, as well as the purpose they serve, can help you be much more intentional and successful in connecting with others.
Join us as we explore the different types of relationships and different forms of connection that are available to us with relationship expert and co-host of this episode, Jennifer Miller. We will answer such questions as: What is the difference between a friend and an acquaintance? What makes someone a best friend instead of just a good friend? Do you know who is in your inner circle? Do you have the right people in it?
About Jennifer Miller
Jennifer Miller is a Christian pastor, counselor, and author who has dedicated her career to helping individuals, couples, and families strengthen their faith and their relationships.
Her new book, “No Longer Two: A Guide to How God Created Men, Women, and Marriage,” available on Amazon, is a compilation of all the wisdom she has gained and shared over the years on what truly makes relationships work.
In addition to teaching and writing on marriage and family topics, she serves as the Co-Executive Director of The Center for Living Well, a nonprofit Christian wellness ministry, based in Phoenix, Arizona with divisions in Canada and Michigan.
Learn more about Jennifer at www.nolonger2.com and www.centerforlivingwell.org.
Jennifer’s Success Tips
~ Recognize which of your needs should be fulfilled by God, which should be fulfilled by you, which should be fulfilled by your spouse, and then assess what is left over to seek from everyone else. Too often, we go to the wrong place with the wrong needs and are left unfulfilled.
~ Know that not everyone can be or should be your best friend. It is impossible to maintain that depth of connection with a great number of people, so intentionally keep your inner circle small.
~ Draw out 5 concentric circles on a piece of paper and consider the qualities that defines each layer of friendship. Then inventory the people in your life and assess if they are on the appropriate circle. Most likely, you will need to adjust some people outward in order to make yourself more available to those closest to you.
Jennifer’s Quote of the Day
“Hope is a thing with feathers.” ~ Emily Dickinson
Listen to Jory and Jennifer by clicking the audio player below.
Click to view and download transcript [PDF]
Piano music by David Nevue.
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