Relationship Reflection

The first and most special relationship to me is with my husband, Marty. We have a very positive relationship where we feel safe enough to challenge each other’s opinions and are not worried about offending the other. We support each other’s decisions, however we often question why we chose to stand where we do because we feel that it more clearly states why we stand there and helps us to learn more about ourselves. Some challenges that we face is that we are both stubborn and can be argumentative. We are definitely not an opposites attract couple. Our relationship is special because we are best friends; we know each other inside and out. I feel that this relationship is really going to help me professionally because he has taught me to question my decisions and why I feel the way I do. 

Another relationship that is very special to me is with my father; my Dad. This is a positive relationship because I cannot get away with even the smallest lie. As a teenager he knew when I was out drinking and would check on me often. As an adult he knows when I need to talk through issues and when I need to deal with things on my own. This relationship will affect me in my professional life because he instilled in me my love of learning new things and the confidence a teacher needs to face her students and colleagues when a problem arises. 

(from left is my husband, Johnny holding Madelynn, and myself)

One last relationship that is important to me is a slightly borrowed relationship. This would be with my husband’s best friend, Johnny. Over the years he has become my best friend as well. He never judges us unfairly and accepts our personalities as they are. One challenge to maintaining this friendship is that we no longer live near one another. When we were pregnant with my daughter we moved in with my parents, 2 hours away. However, Johnny has been there to see Maddy grow and we are all trying our best to keep him as a strong part of her life. We made him her Godfather in October, and the additional responsibility has made us all a little closer. This relationship will help me professionally because it has taught me to persevere.