Who supports you?
I’m still on this kick of wanting more friends (but not actually doing anything about it). One question going through my mind is who do I turn to for support in different aspects of my life? What kind of support do I need? Am I getting enough support from my existing network—or should I reach out to others?
As I think about the various ways in which we all need support, it is generally my husband (and not my friends or extended family) who is there with the extended hand (ok, sometimes it takes a front end loader to lift me up!).
So, who do you turn to for support in these areas:
Appraisal Support: constructive feedback, affirmation and social comparison
Emotional Support: empathy, trust, caring and nurturing
Informational Support: advice, suggestions, solutions
Instrumental Support: tangible aid and service
Spiritual Support: transcendence, source of meaning and purpose in life
Recommended reading:
Harvey, J. H. (2001). Odyssey of the Heart: Close Relationships in the 21st Century. 2nd ed. New York: W.H. Freeman.
