Reasons to Keep in Touch with Your Parents or Guardians

I’m one of the millions of kids that moved away from home when I grew up. And you know what? As much as my parents can drive me crazy sometimes, being so far away from them makes me realize just how much I love and miss them despite the differences we may have sometimes. I think many people take their parents for granted when they are young—I know I certainly did. And though I’m not exactly getting on in years, I’ve come to appreciate my parents and all the sacrifices they made for me through the years.

Have you told your loved ones how much you appreciate them lately?
Image: Shutterstock

I’m not good at keeping in touch with people. It’s one of the things about myself that makes me the most frustrated. I want to be one of those people that keeps track of everyone, that talks to all the people she cares about every single week—but thus far in life, that does not describe me. However, I do make a particularly strong effort to keep in touch with my parents. Here are a few things I’ve learned I need to do on a regular basis:

I let them know that they mean a lot to me. It’s not difficult to let your parents know just how special they are to you. All it takes is a call or even just a simple text. It doesn’t need to be an hour-long call every day, but it should happen. In the same way that we like to be told we’re loved, so do our parents. Don’t assume they already know you love them—even if they do, everyone likes a reminder now and again.

I hate thinking about this next one, but it’s true: they won’t be around forever. None of us will. Your time with the people you care about most will seem like it’s gone in the blink of an eye, so don’t take that time for granted. Always give them that reminder of love.

Most of the people we meet and “know” in life are barely acquaintances. Perhaps you share a social circle or a workplace with them. You’re on friendly terms, but most likely, they don’t have any idea who you really are. If you are lucky enough to have people you love in your life, make it known. Those special individuals deserve your love, especially when they give it to you so unconditionally.

Though I know better, my parents are not bullet proof. Sometimes they go through hard times, just like I do. I think of all the times that their shoulders were offered as a place to cry, and it reminds me that maybe sometimes they feel the same grief as I have felt. Because we are so close with our parents, it can be easier to see them in a different light and be harder on them—assume they’re older, wiser, tougher skinned. And while this may be true at times, that doesn’t mean they don’t need someone to lean on now and again.

Do you keep in touch with your parents, guardians, or others that you love?  

Breaking Up: The Right & Wrong Ways to End It

When ending a relationship, try to do so in the healthiest way possible.
Image: Shutterstock

Most of us, at one point or another in life, have been through a breakup. Sometimes, relationships can end with both parties in mutual agreement, but more often than not, it’s just one person that breaks it off. There are many different strategies that embody healthy and  not-so-healthy ways to break up with a partner. Some leave the relationship on good terms while others will ensure you never will speak to them again.

Here are some of the dos and don’ts of breaking up:

Don’t avoid contact with your partner completely. Be open, up front, and present. Even though breakups are difficult, avoiding your partner will only prolong the inevitable.

Do break up in person, especially if it’s someone you care about.

Don’t blame yourself for the breakup with classic lines like “It’s not you; it’s me.”

Do openly confront your partner by expressing your desire to break up point blank. Try to say something genuine and take ownership of your feelings, like “I’m sorry, this just isn’t working for me.”

Don’t start picking fights and instigating arguments so that they will force the issue.

Do prepare yourself for what you’ll say ahead of time if you’re initiating the break up. If you don’t, you could become derailed and present your points in a less clear way, which will ultimately hurt both of you.

Don’t manipulate the situation by telling mutual friends about your desire to break up.

Do be truthful about why you want to break up…without going into every single detail.

Don’t use indirect methods of communication like text messages, email, or social media to break up with your partner.

In a 2012 psychological study published in the Journal of Research in Personality, Tara Collins and Omri Gillath explained that the confrontational style of breaking up is the most ideal. Participants also rated avoiding the partner as the least ideal method. So unless you are trying to upset your partner, definitely try being open and confront the issue rather than being passive.

What is the healthiest way to break up with a partner, in your experience?