The first of these are outer circle relationships. These are the relationships that we have with good friends, co-workers, school friends, church friends, in-laws and acquaintances. These are the types of relationships that really have minimal affect on our development. Yes, these types of relationships can cause stress from time to time. But at the end of the day, they are not the most important ones. This is where the relationships with my students' families would be. These types of partnerships are important because we work together for the good of the child. Having open communication is what makes this type of relationship work.
The second of these is the middle circle. These are the relationships that we have with our siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, best friends, and grandparents. These type of relationships tend to be more important than that outer circle relationships. If there is turmoil in these relationships, then we tend to worry or be stressed. Since I was raised around my extended family, I cherish these relationships. I tend to play peacemaker repeatedly. This can cause stress for me. These type of relationships are important to me because they helped make me the person I am today. I learned family values and commitment from them. My best friend is the relationship I will use as an example. I have been best friends with her for 17 years. Although we no longer live in the same town, we talk constantly. I know that I can talk to her about anything and she will not judge me. She is there for me when I need her and I am there for her. Our family tends to be very careful about who we let into this circle. Mostly it must be blood related. But occasionally we have some in-laws that fit so perfectly that we let them in. Two of these people would be my nephew's wife Melanie. She came into our lives and it was like she had always been there. And then there is my niece's husband, Duane. His entry took a bit longer, due to him and I being so much alike, but he is now in our middle circle. He helps maintain the stability of that circle.
The third of these relationships is the inner circle. These relationships are the most important and most precious ones that a person can have. These relationships are the ones that you have with your parents, spouse, and children. These relationships affect our day to day living and our health. These are the most important relationships. Turmoil in these relationships can have a negative ripple effect on the outer two circles of relationship.
Sonya, I really like your drawing of your circle of relationships. I have a similar concept about my relationships but your description and visual really put it in perspective. Like you said, we all have relationships whether it is immediate family, friends, other relatives, professional etc. but each fall into categories and affect us differently. Some may affect us more intensely than others and I completely agree that if your inner circle (children, spouse, parents) has turmoil it can affect other relationships in the other two circles.
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