Relationships are key to happiness by Dr. Robert Bartsch, interim associate dean, UHCL School of Human Sciences and Humanities
Relationships are key to one's emotional well-being and happiness. In fact it is almost inconceivable to think what it would mean to live life with no relationships of any kind. One researcher believes the three most important characteristics of a close relationship are mutual understanding, caring, and validation of the partner. Let's look at each of these three.
Campus News Nominate for the UHCL Alumni Association awards, due Apr. 30... Read more.
Community Alumnus Marshall Bennett grows 'stache for a stash of cash... Read more.
Arts & Culture Czech out UHCL's latest photography exhibition... Read more.
Career Connections Connect with area employers at the HSH Speed Networking event, Feb. 21... Read more.
Did you know Jill Hickman, '95, inspires women in the workplace? Since 1998, alumna Jill Hickman has provided organizations and entrepreneurs with a complete talent development and management solution. A sample list of her corporate clients include Service Corporation International, Enbridge Energy, Stewart and Stevenson, El Paso Energy, Bridgeway Software, and Aramco.
Relationships are key to happiness by Dr. Robert Bartsch, interim associate dean, UHCL School of Human Sciences and Humanities
Relationships are key to one's emotional well-being and happiness. In fact it is almost inconceivable to think what it would mean to live life with no relationships of any kind. One researcher believes the three most important characteristics of a close relationship are mutual understanding, caring, and validation of the partner. Let's look at each of these three.
Mutual understanding
Partners in a close relationship should know one another well. High levels of self-disclosure help create emotional intimacy. Trust is needed to allow this disclosure of one's deepest thoughts. In fact, one relationship theory states that if one does not have an emotional effect on another, then they are not in a relationship. Also related to mutual understanding, relationship researchers advise that if you have an opinion or preference, you should state it rather than leaving your partner to guess.
Caring
One element of caring is the desire of the partner's well-being. Some researchers see relationships on a continuum of exchange to communal. We evaluate exchange relationships by what is fair and "keep score" to make sure one isn't getting an unfair cost or benefit. Communal relationships are based on caring for the other. Although there can be exchange elements in close relationships (e.g., many couples divvy up chores), a large part of close relationships are more communal. One researcher suggests doing items for your partner even if your partner doesn't realize what was done, which is clearly a communal idea. Relatedly, other researchers have looked at compromise. Given that two people in a relationship need to compromise at times, it is important to know when making sacrifices can be good or bad for a relationship. Sacrifices can be beneficial if your motivation is to make your partner happy or to strengthen your relationship. Sacrifices that are motivated to avoid conflict or to because you feel obligated can be problematic.
Validation
Validating, or seeing the intrinsic worth of a partner, is the third key area. Validating your partner also means approving of the person as they are, even their weaknesses. Validating your partner leads to your partner feeling more comfortable and being able to access their authentic self. Studies have also shown relationships that are contingent to external successes, such as a promotion at work or making high levels of money, can lead to more problems. Rather, relationships should be based more on the internal aspects of your partner regardless of the external factors. Another trap that partners can fall into is the appearance of not validating. For example, you should respond positively to good news from your partner rather than just passively saying "hmmm" or appearing uninterested.
Problems in Relationships
Finally, there will always be problems in relationships. One study stated that 98.8 percent of couples felt that they have had some disagreements within their relationships. Trying not to have conflict in a relationship is almost impossible. Rather it is more important how conflict or disagreements are handled. When resolving conflict with your partner, I encourage you to look and see whether your own actions are trying to lead to these three goals of mutual understanding, caring, and validation.
Nominate for the UHCL Alumni Association awards, due Apr. 30
University of Houston-Clear Lake alumni make a difference in our community and in our world every day, and each year the university strives to recognize those alumni by presenting the UHCL Alumni Association awards. Nominations for UH-Clear Lake's Distinguished Alumni, Early Achievement, Leadership Service, and Outstanding Professor Awards are being accepted through April 30.
"With the UH-Clear Lake Alumni Association Awards, we acknowledge the diversity of our alumni and celebrate their successes," said Charity Ellis, director of alumni and community relations. Think of peers or professors that deserve recognition, submit your nomination and help us celebrate them in this special and meaningful way.
Award recipients will be recognized at the annual alumni celebration on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 at Space Center Houston, 1601 NASA Road One, Houston. For award criteria and nomination forms visit www.uhcl.edu/alumni. With questions, contact the Office of Alumni and Community Relations at 281-283-2021.
Have you recently walked through Atrium I of the Bayou Building and noticed that you can't see into the UHCL Art Gallery? If you haven't heard, it’s because the gallery is in full-swing with a major renovation. Brown paper has been placed over the windows to heighten the suspense and intrigue, but those who "like" the gallery page on Facebook get to see exclusive pictures of the demolition and subsequent construction.
Worried that you won't get to see art while the gallery is closed? Don't fret. The gallery will continue to host terrific exhibitions outside of the gallery. In fact, the latest exhibition opened TODAY (2/15) in the foyer across from the entrance to the Alfred R. Neumann Library. The exhibition, "Reconnecting Through Photography: Czech Republic – Slovak Republic," features photographs from faculty and students from the Institute of Art and Design of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Czech Republic, and from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, Slovak Republic. It is presented in conjunction with FotoFest 2012 Biennial and as part of the University of Houston-Clear Lake International Art Consortium. Nearly 20 years since the split-up of Czechoslovakia, the exhibition seeks to answer the question: after one country divides into two nations, do artistic styles drastically differ with time, or is there a commonality present between artists of the now separate countries?
The exhibition includes work by four faculty members and six students from Slovakia, and three faculty members and 13 students from the Czech Republic. The works in the exhibition represent a wide range of imagery, from portraiture to landscape, architecture to still life, interiors to dream visions. Check out a selection of the works here.
You're invited to a panel discussion and reception in celebration of the exhibition at 6-8 p.m., Thursday, March 22, in the Bayou Building's Forest Room. The event features: Vojtěch Aubrecht, exhibiting artist and professor of photography at the Institute of Art and Design at the University of West Bohemia; Zachary Doleshal, a doctoral candidate specializing in Czech history at The University of Texas at Austin; Bohunka Koklesová, professor of art theory at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design; and Matthew Linton, associate professor of art and design at UHCL. It will be moderated by Clint Willour, exhibition organizer and curator of the Galveston Arts Center. Admission is FREE! To RSVP, contact the Art Gallery by calling 281.283.3311 or emailing artgallery@uhcl.edu.
"Reconnecting Through Photography: Czech Republic – Slovak Republic" is on view through April 6, 2012.
Alumnus Marshall Bennett grows 'stache for a stash of cash
You may notice that certain Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union employees look a bit different recently. That’s because many are participating in 'Stache for Cash, a contest that challenges GCEFCU employees to grow their mustaches to raise money for their favorite school, college or education foundation. Marshall Bennett, BS '11, is hoping to do just that for UHCL.
The employee with the best 'stache will earn $500 for his school and you can help Marshall win first place by visiting Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union's Facebook page and voting for him. The poll will be open the entire month of February and there will be three winners: first place will receive $500, second place will earn $250 and third place raise $100 for his school.
When given the opportunity to raise funds for the school, college or education foundation of his choice, the decision was an easy one for Marshall. "I chose to benefit UHCL in this contest for a variety of reasons," Marshall says. "My experience as a student at UHCL was very inspiring. I was able to grow as a student and develop the skills necessary to be successful in my career."
Did you know Jill Hickman, '95, inspires women in the workplace?
Since 1998, alumna Jill Hickman has provided organizations and entrepreneurs with a complete talent development and management solution. A sample list of her corporate clients include Service Corporation International, Enbridge Energy, Stewart and Stevenson, El Paso Energy, Bridgeway Software, and Aramco. Coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit and global company of her own, Jill provides the leadership acumen needed for success in today's business world. As Founder of The Women's Leadership Advisory Board, Jill specifically focuses her time and attention to inspire, educate, and elevate women to leadership success in their corporate organizations and in their own businesses.
An honors graduate from the University of Texas, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and teaching certification in English and Psychology. Once back in her hometown of Houston, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Management from UHCL and teaching certification in Marketing from University of Houston. Jill was featured in the Fall 2008 issue of Egret as one of 10 portraits of leadership from the UHCL community.
Jill maintains an active role in professional, community and service organizations, serving in 2002 as Board President of the American Society of Training and Development Houston Chapter and more recently in 2009-2010 as Board President of the Institute of Management Consultants, Houston Chapter. She is also a member of the National Speakers Association, HR Houston, ASTD Houston, SHRM, WBEA-Texas, and Houston Coaches.
Intrigued by Jill's experience and approach to management? Sign up and enjoy a breakfast conversation with Jill to learn more. She is one of the scheduled conversationalists for the UHCL Alumni Association's breakfast event "Small Talk. Big Ideas: Breakfast with an Expert," Tuesday, April 17, 7-9 a.m. in UHCL's Bayou Building, Forest Room. Save the date on your calendar and stay tuned for event details including sneak peeks at conversationalists and ticket information.
Relationships are key to one's emotional well-being and happiness. In fact it is almost inconceivable to think what it would mean to live life with no relationships of any kind. One researcher believes the three most important characteristics of a close relationship are mutual understanding, caring, and validation of the partner. Let's look at each of these three.
University of Houston-Clear Lake alumni make a difference in our community and in our world every day, and each year the university strives to recognize those alumni by presenting the UHCL Alumni Association awards. Nominations for UH-Clear Lake's 
Have you recently walked through Atrium I of the Bayou Building and noticed that you can't see into the UHCL Art Gallery? If you haven't heard, it’s because the gallery is in full-swing with a major renovation. Brown paper has been placed over the windows to heighten the suspense and intrigue, but those who 
You may notice that certain Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union employees look a bit different recently. That’s because many are participating in 'Stache for Cash, a contest that challenges GCEFCU employees to grow their mustaches to raise money for their favorite school, college or education foundation. Marshall Bennett, BS '11, is hoping to do just that for UHCL. 
Since 1998, alumna Jill Hickman has provided organizations and entrepreneurs with a complete talent development and management solution. A sample list of her corporate clients include Service Corporation International, Enbridge Energy, Stewart and Stevenson, El Paso Energy, Bridgeway Software, and Aramco. Coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit and global company of her own, Jill provides the leadership acumen needed for success in today's business world. As Founder of The Women's Leadership Advisory Board, Jill specifically focuses her time and attention to inspire, educate, and elevate women to leadership success in their corporate organizations and in their own businesses. 