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CULTURE That's What Friends Are For It comes as no surprise that our friendships influence our mood. We know that when we're down, we need the uplifting support of our girlfriends to reassure us, or sometimes just listen. When we have something to celebrate, they're the first ones we call. What might be surprising, however, is that scientific research backs up this innate knowledge. e Mayo Clinic asserts that "Good friends are good for our health" by: • Boosting our self-confidence • Acting as a sounding board in times of crisis • Offering advice and guidance in making decisions • Encouraging us to do and try new things • Keeping us on track with goals and resolutions Studies show that beyond just making us happy, a strong support network can even help us avoid serious health issues, such as high blood pressure and an unhealthy BMI (body mass index). Reduced risk of both has been documented in those with good pals in their lives. TAKE A BREAK If you find yourself in need of some space, you might want to consider a relationship sabbatical…"a personal time- out from a relationship for creative, professional or spiritual growth, reflection and renewal: an opportunity to heal and refocus." Is it time for "THE TALK?" Kids today seem to be maturing faster than ever before. Documented research shows that over the past few decades, kids are literally hitting puberty at an earlier age. But just because their bodies are showing signs of maturity, that doesn't mean their minds have caught up yet. It may be difficult for them to process everything that gets thrown at them—by their friends, in movies, through advertising, from older kids at school and, of course, on the web. Scientists say that a healthy understanding of our bodies and what they are capable of is vitally important in development. So much information is available out there—including bad or downright false "facts"—that it's critical to intercept your child and set the record straight. Some kiddos as young as eight or nine might be ready for a sit-down with ole Mom and Dad about the basics of the birds and the bees. It may not be the most comfor table thing in the world, but if you approach "the talk" with confidence and without embarrassment, you'll demonstrate to your little girl or guy that sex is no laughing matter. Establishing such open communication early on will also encourage them to come to you when they have questions or seek advice. Relationships GETTING TOGETHER / GETTING ALONG MAKING IT WORK AT WORK Getting along with our colleagues can sometimes be tricky. e typical workplace is an amalgam of personalities and idiosyncrasies. By keeping a few simple rules at the top of your mind, having to spend at least half of your waking hours with these people will be tolerable and hopefully, maybe even pleasant! LISTEN UP Communication is the key to cooperation. Also, as busy as you may be, look up from your desk or away from your computer screen when being addressed in order to demonstrate that someone has your full attention. R-E-S-P-E-C-T Value the differences of opinion that you encounter. Showing a curiosity about other views—and not always assuming that you are 100% right—will not only open you up to new perspectives, but will engender the same treatment from others. SHARING IS CARING Be generous in acknowledging others' contributions to the success of a project. Don't be tempted to take all the credit, even if you feel that it is well-deserved. More than likely, a group effort was required to achieve results. 58 | GRAVITAS MAGAZINE GravitasMag.com

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