A rather crude and cruel experiment was carried out by Emperor Frederick, who ruled the Roman Empire in the thirteenth century. He wanted to know what man’s original language was: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin?
He decided to isolate a few infants from the sound of the human voice. He reasoned that they would eventually speak the natural tongue of man.
Wet nurses who were sworn to absolute silence were obtained, and though it was difficult for them, they abided by the rule.
The infants never heard a word — not a sound from a human voice.
Within several months they were all dead.
We can live only in relationships.
We need each other. Relationships are an integral part of life and a healthy life.
Studies have proved that single men are jailed more often, earn less, have more illnesses and die at a younger age than married men.
Married men with cancer live 20% longer than single men with the same cancer.
Women, who often have more close friendships than men, survive longer with the same cancers.
Married or not, relationships keep us alive.
How to have healthy relationships
Here are a few posts that I have written on how to have healthy relationships.
1. Know yourself.
5. Misunderstanding breaks down communication.
6. 6 key ingredients to a successful relationship.
What’s the best advice you have heard (or have given) on having healthy relationships?
A Few Related Posts You May Find Useful:
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Part 1
The Emotionally Healthy Church
Life skills for growth: Healthy, Biblical speaking
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Pre-conference 2009 Recap
Creating a healthy culture of sharing in your home
Sermon Synopsis 10/18 – What destroys relationships and what builds them
Insecurity destroys relationships
Selfishness destroys relationships
Very interesting post Kevin. From watching my grandchildren learn new things its surprising how young they can be to learn things. Before my grandson could talk my daughter taught him simple sign language so she knew what he needed. All this came about by talking to him and praising him when he signed. You could see how happy he was when his mom did this. I know all to well how a child can feel if a parent doesn’t communicate or praise you when you do something good. Its a very sad and lonely life and in the bigger picture the child dosen’t learn how to communicate with other and that brings alot of problems when they become adults. It the same with God if we don’t communicate with him and listen to his teachings we won’t know what we must do to make him happy and we won’t know of his great Love
Great point Kathy! As much as we need to communicate with other people we need to be communicating with God.
Thanks for sharing!
This is very true. A healthy relationships will build a strong foundation. All of us are in a relationship, we should handle it with care.
Thanks for sharing Mika!
Kevin: I am glad that you put knowing ourselves first because I think it is where a healthy relationship starts. I have become more connected with who I am and I have found that I choose better people to make relationships with. A lot of my past relationships I had to let go because they were bad choices.
Now a days, I just try to help people anyway I can. Sometimes, a little support goes a long way!
Best wishes,
William Veasley
Knowing ourselves is definitely critical in having healthy relationships. If we don’t know ourselves then we can’t really let other people get to know us.
Thanks for sharing William!
Kevin…
I remember reading a similar story some years back about the death of infants due to lack of communication. Keeping the communication real and authentic. Listening to others and putting them first is a sure way to build relationships.
Thanks for sharing Martin!
Fascinating post. I’m glad I found you. I think the best advice I’ve received about healthy relationships is: acceptance. I notice when my window of acceptance is half-closed (that person talks to much; this person interrupts; so-and-so is too clingly, etc), then my world gets smaller and smaller. I have to be nudged (and often kick-started) into remembering God accepts me just as I am. It’s like a breath of fresh air blowing through me. Strange how the lack of acceptance narrows our relationships. Thanks for the post.
Great point Kris! Acceptance is definitely a key component to having healthy relationships.
Thanks for sharing!
My only concern with this research is for single people among us who don’t have a life partner. We who are married need to be sensitive to the need for relationship that singles feel. I would think that reaching out to this demographic in our churches would be of paramount importance.
I totally agree with you Steve. When I am talking about relationships here I am talking about ALL relationships (marriage, parenting, friendship, etc.)
Thanks for sharing!