One of the most important things to someone who is incarcerated are their relationships. From children, friends, and family, to mentors and parole officers, creating and keeping healthy relationships is one of the keys to a healthy reentry after prison. Your loved one’s top priority should be the relationship with their loved ones at home.
What does it look like to have a healthy relationship? Although many people strive to have healthy relationships, many fall short. Regardless of the reason, today is a new day, with new opportunities to care for those who mean the most to you.
Check Your Attitude
Many people live their lives unaware of how their attitude affects those around them. When we spend all our time with our loved one venting and complaining, it can be draining. Furthermore, having a negative attitude can make others less likely to want to spend time together. Take time to consider how your attitude is affecting those around you.
Learn to Listen
This is one of the biggest keys to any relationship. When we listen, we show the other person we respect their time and care about what they have to say and it is one of the best ways to strengthen your relationship. Practice letting the other person say all they want
Practice empathy
Learn to listen from your heart. Reflecting empathy is recognizing and appreciating the situation. When we show those we care about that we not only care for them but we also care about what they are going through, it will mean the world to them.
Avoid making assumptions
Many times, especially during long-lasting relationships, we make assumptions that can lead to frustration and discontent. When we assume, we make poorly-based conclusions about the topic being shared. These unconfirmed assumptions are like a train that has derailed, and the conductor may not even be aware of it.
Avoid Competition
When we compete, be it our time, opinions, or experiences, it can lead to frustration and resentment. Some may feel that sharing a related story is proof you were listening, but instead, it may seem like you are trying to steal the show, not to mention expressing you have little interest in them.
Relationships with someone in prison are no easy feat. But there are more ways than ever to stay connected with your loved one. From visiting rooms, to phone calls, letters and even video calls, there are many opportunities to stay connected with your loved one in prison. Practice these given key steps to make the most of your relationship today.
We are so glad you found this blog. We hope to be a resource and tool on you and your family’s re-entry journey. To learn more about TYRO or what we do, visit our website, tyro365.com.
1 Comment
Sundiato
I spent years in prison and by the grace of God I made it out of that place. Several things that you’ve pointed out in this article resonates with me. I have overcame so much and grown so much as a person, but I still have to work diligently to check my attitude. I have to remind myself daily that my life is ahead of me, not behind me. When I ponder about the part of my life that is behind me, I focus on the poverty, the guilt, the shame, and the unfair breaks. I resent those who seemed to have left my side during my incarceration. I focus more on what happened to me instead of my own power. When I focus on my life that is ahead of me, I channel my energy on my faith and hope. I enjoy the loved ones that I have now as I move ahead. I take pleasure in the life I am building. The past is a good teacher, but we must learn how to pull the lessons from it without holding onto the part that burdened us. I still have a long way to go, but I am at a very good place in my life. Recently I started blogging to help others who have a path similar to mine and to enlighten those who may not understand.
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