Or should you be chummy all the time? What builds a stronger friendship? I'm not referring to a husband and wife. Just friends, or even siblings for that matter.. .. Thank You in advance.
2007-12-19 10:31:11 · 4 answers · asked by cap3382 4 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
It is supposedly psychologically healthy to have disagreements with close ones but I have never found it to be so,,,, then again, it depends on how truly bitter it is. Bitterness implies a long festering of hurts, which definitely can not be healthy for the one who is suffering these hurts. If you discuss things in a "healthy" way with no long term damage that is the best way theoretically but I have found it to be close to impossible to resolve major differences with loved ones. And I get tired of fighting and power struggles.
2007-12-19 10:44:42 · answer #1 · answered by Pen 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, using "bitter" and "healthy" in the same sentence seems a bit extreme to me. But it is not necessarily unhealthy to have disagreements, possibly even rather bitter ones, with a close friend. It usually means you will need to do the awkward routine of apologizing and making amends, but if both of you still value the friendship, it will work.
Why do I have trouble calling bitterness healthy? Because I think it is a corrosive attitude. I think we use the term "bitter" about emotions when we continue to hug the hurt, the sense of righteous indignation, the certainty that I was right and he was wrong, and I am being magnanimous in forgiving him. That can destroy a real friendship, or turn it into a power struggle that is worse than destroying it outright.
2007-12-20 08:32:55 · answer #2 · answered by auntb93 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Friends can be some of the most honest people in your life - that can be harsh from time to time. Circumstances change on friendships daily and I would be more worried if you always agreed on everything. I want my friends to put me in my place from time to time and they expect the same from me. It is how you get through the conflicts that matter - do you respect each other in the end?
2007-12-19 18:45:16 · answer #3 · answered by M 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Even the best of friends don't see eye to eye on every subject. I think it is healthy to have disagreements with your close friends. I think you will become closer because you both understand the other persons points of view. Relax, don't take life so seriously, it's not permanent...
2007-12-20 07:51:28 · answer #4 · answered by Mr.B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋