Updates

Did you know that “Friends are good medicine?” As we cope with the common cold season, bear in mind that although many people believe that chicken soup is the best remedy, the friend or loved one bringing the soup may actually be more important to maintaining good health. Research reported by Dr. Sheldon Cohen shows that people with various types of positive social relationships such as family, work friends, neighbors and church or social groups were less likely to develop a cold when exposed to the cold virus.

It is also interesting, as we move toward spring and the “wedding season,” to think about research reported by Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser right here at Ohio State University. Her study showed that among happily married newlyweds, negative, hurtful interactions were strongly associated with increased levels of stress hormones and changes in the immune systems of individuals over the following 24 hours. These changes tended to be good predictors of decreases in marital satisfaction over time. The way we talk to each other is important and taking the time to develop communication and relationship skills is a worthwhile investment.

Tips on communication in relationships

• Learn to listen; not only to words but to feelings. Try to hear what the other person needs from you.
• Communicate clearly and negotiate about your needs and feelings.
• Be flexible; accept not getting all that you want without detaching from the relationship or discussion.
• Ask for feedback about how your communication style affects the other person.
• Never attack the other person through name-calling or other verbal abuse.
• Set limits by asserting yourself and talking about what you need and feel, and give feedback about how the other person is affecting you.
• Remember that relationships occur over time and that developing them takes ongoing effort.