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.