friends and familythe choice is really

Friends and Family...The Choice Is Really Up To You

One of the main reasons that I chose to study the field of Sociology

was because I have an insane, maybe manic, interest in the dynamics of

friendships, family, social connections and social disconnections. I

am passionate about learning the in's and out's of a person's personal

experience especially how society was involved - i.e. peers, family

background, living conditions, where they grew up..and other social

factors.

One of the main things that I find with my clients is that they may

have a hard time with interpersonal relationships (social

connections). Not that they are some "social" you-know-whats but

sometime outlining boundaries and sticking to them is a very difficult

task.

As you well know, when we all grow up and get older our goals and our

boundaries change. When we were younger it may have been that we were

friends with someone because they were a good time, fun to party with

and didn't steal your boyfriend. But as you get older you maybe

looking for different qualities in a friend...trust, support, respect,

a rock you can lean on..not a fair-weather friend etc. Sometimes

cleaning out your "friend" closet while it might sound harsh might be

a necessity. If someone is dragging you down, being a negative

influence in your life or is just plain sucking your will to live...it

might be time to re-evaluate your boundaries and demand to be treated

as you treat others.....that maybe the same for family too. Just

because blood is involved does not mean you need to be talked down to

or treated like a moron.

Can you communicate this with the important people in your life and

let them know that you are an important and special person and no

longer want to be treated like a rug?

Good question, take some time to think about who and what are really