Extraordinary Relationships: Chapter Analysis

Chapters 19 and 20 in Extraordinary Relationships gave a good description of concepts relating to Human Interactions and Relationships and how to move toward better relationships. These new concepts gave a better understanding on misconceptions in relationships and how to promote success, also how to incorporate Bowen’s theory to relationships in different contexts. Two concepts that were discussed throughout the chapters were ten ways to promote success in relationships and how to incorporate Bowen’s theory into friendships. One of the concepts discussed in chapter19 was how to promote relationship success. In the chapter, Gilberts describes 10 statements made by individuals who have used family systems theory by Bowen and their success …show more content…
I really liked this statement because it reveals what we have been talking about in relation to relationship patterns. In order to heal from a relationship pattern we must be able to recognize the part we play in the pattern and how it has affected not only the partner but as well oneself. Another statement that was made was how “It is not necessary for me to take on the emotions of the people I am around. I have a choice” I also really like this statement because it proves that when an individual uses Bowen theory they are more in control of their lives and have more of a choice on handling emotions.
Chapter 20 discussed how to incorporate Bowen’s theory in to relationships in different contexts. The different relationships discussed were friendships, love relationships, parents and children, divorce, the single life, professional relationships, workplace relationships, and societal process and international relationships. The relationship that stood out to me was friendships. According to Gilbert’s (1992) “friendship may be the ideal paradigm for all relationships”(pg. 146). This is because in friendships individuals are more inclined to be relaxed and allows the