Читать книгу The Secret of Happy Parents: How to Stay in Love as a Couple and True to Yourself - Steve Biddulph - Страница 17

(Why not take a minute to find a pen or pencil, as this simple evaluation may turn out to be the start of a whole new life, and you wouldn’t want to miss out just because your kids took all the pens away!)

Please rate yourself from 0 to 5 on the following:

Marriage/partnership You have a lively and dynamic relationship with one person which incorporates affection, sexuality, co-operation, fun, hard work and healthy arguments,

Parenthood You are involved in raising some children, whom you spend lots of time with and feel a sense of enjoyment and pride in, even though they are constantly challenging your limits and stretching your abilities.

Self-care and self-expression You have space and time to reflect, enjoy yourself, explore interests, breathe in and be yourself.

Community involvement Noticing what a selfish and unjust world we live in, you take on some activities that give service to others, or in some cause which you see as ultimately important to the human race.

Friendships Over a long period you have made some really special friends. You find time at least monthly to hang out with these people and at least weekly to talk on the phone, and feel the relaxation of sharing problems, laughs, dreams, projects, and enjoying their partners and children where appropriate,

Meaningful work Paid or voluntary, full or part-time, you support yourself and make a contribution to human life. What matters is whether it has meaning, purpose, and is something you can believe in.

Interpreting the results should be pretty obvious – you can soon see what’s missing. If you want to add up the score: 15 means you are going well; 20, you are probably really happy; 25, you are hyperactive!; 10 means life is a bit neglected; 5 – well, you are still breathing, but not exactly living. You must be tough to still be alive, so use some of that toughness to get some happiness into your life. Time for some changes!

Sadly we can’t deal with all these life issues in one book. So from here on we will focus down to points one and two: marriage and relationships, and raising kids. Because 80 per cent of people are in this situation, it’s a good place to start.