Building a network of personal relationships

We are constituted so that simple acts of kindness, such as giving to charity or expressing gratitude, have a positive effect on our long-term moods.

The key to the happy life, it seems, is the good life: a life with sustained relationships, challenging work, and connections to community.

Paul Bloom

Reflection

• What are the characteristics of your personal relationships?
• Can you group your personal relationships by themes (or perhaps what you have in common)?
• What themes do you have?
• Is it around a shared life experience (e.g. student together, both have children a similar age, etc)?
• Is it around a shared belief or shared purpose?
• What other elements create the “bond” you have?
• How do you feel about each person (or themed group) and the relationship you have?

Healthy social networks help us remain resilient in times of stress and to feel good about ourselves.