Relational Intelligence
The moment we cease to hold each other, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out.
– James Baldwin
Relational intelligence is a term I use for the people skills that allow us to navigate our world, especially our peopled world, competently, effectively, skillfully. Relational intelligence allows our brains to create bonds with others that sustain us through thick and thin. Research shows that these bonds provide us with a deeper sense of happiness and well-being than anything else in the human experience. They are among the resources that sustain our resilience.
Chapter 9: Developing Relational Intelligence
Introduction to Relational Intelligence: pp. 171-172
Reaching Out for Help: pp. 172-173
Exercise #1: Reaching Out for Help, pp. 173-174
Setting Limits and Boundaries: pp. 175-176
Exercise #2: Setting Limits and Boundaries, pp. 176-177
Compassionate Communication (to negotiate change in a relationship), p. 299
Exercise #3: Compassionate Communication, pp. 300-302
Repairing a Rupture: pp. 181-182
Exercise #4: Repairing a Rupture, pp. 182-183
Forgiveness: Forgiveness, The Ultimate Repair, pp. 184-185
Exercise #5: Forgiveness, pp. 185-187
Additional exercises are available in Bouncing Back: Rewiring Your Brain for Maximum Resilience and Well-Being.