Communication is important in any type of relationship. It opens up channels for discussion that will help to nurture and build emotional connection, comfort and trust between individuals. However, there are some conversations that many people shy away from due to the discomfort, awkwardness and taboo nature of the topic. In an era where establishing mental wellness and stability is important, it is time to stop shying away from those hard to have discussions. For many, these vary, but here are a few conversations we have identified that some people find difficult to have and that we think should definitely be discussed.
Traumatic Experiences
Many persons suffer in silence having been victims of trauma. Whether they were physical, mental or emotional; persons shy away from becoming vulnerable and sharing the burdens that permeate their mind constantly. This type of deflection can have serious repercussions on a person’s behaviour and actions. For the person experiencing the trauma, finding someone to confide in, whether personally or professional is necessary to be able to identify and manage the triggers of the trauma. For persons who are selected as confidants, it is important to approach these conversations with an open non-judgemental mind in order to create a supportive safe space for the person to vent. Sometimes it requires us to reach out to our family, friends and loved ones. If you have that type of close relationship with them, offer yourself as an outlet through which they can feel safe, seen and supported.
Sexual Encounters
Sexual encounters are a natural hormonal desire. While abstinence until marriage is always the safest route, there are people giving in to their sexual urges. Dating applications and social events are two of the more prominent avenues through which persons connect to fulfil sexual urges. Many persons tend to keep their “sexcapades” private to reduce the scrutiny of judgment; however, if you are meeting persons to go on dates or to have some consensual fun, it is important to have at least one person who you can confide in and share with them your intended location and activities and whom you plan to meet. Too many persons fall victim to harm or assault because they decided to keep their activities secret; in extreme cases some persons go missing or lose their life. There is nothing wrong with having strong sexual desires that need fulfilment, however, identify someone you can trust that will always ensure that no matter what you do, you are able to return home safely.
Sexual Identity and Responsibility
The conversation between parents and their children around sexual responsibility and identity is not common. Most children are left to learn about sexual education through their schools, in conversation with friends or by watching programmes online. Many parents and caregivers usually shy away from having wholesome conversations about the topic and instead strike fear into their wards about pregnancy, sexual orientation and diseases and infections. In this current century, it is time to dispel the taboo nature of conversations about sexual responsibility and identity. These conversations need to be approached without fear and intimidation. Creating open lines of trust, support and love will create the perfect dynamic to communicate in a wholesome way and allow for accurate information and guidance to be given to children at that stage of their development.
The reversal of gender roles
Many traditionalists still believe in the thought process of some characteristics being distinctly male and others being distinctly female. Men and women have long been ascribed particular responsibilities in society, the home and even the workplace. However social norms have shifted and have seen a reversal in gender roles with more women becoming bread winners and some men becoming more dependent on their female counterparts. The role of men and masculinity in society has changed with some persons still holding fast to their traditional views. Nonetheless, in this day and age, it is important to re-engage the conversations with the shifting times and to release the archaic views that create feelings of anxiety, pressure and aggression in men who feel they are not living up to expectations. Now, more than ever, we need to discuss the existing landscape and how both men and women fit into the current dynamic in a supportive and symbiotic way.
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 11 #3 at any supermarket, pharmacy or book store near you.
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Story by Damion Anglin
Communication is important in any type of relationship. It opens up channels for discussion that will help to nurture and build emotional connection, comfort and trust between individuals. However, there are some conversations that many people shy away from due to the discomfort, awkwardness and taboo nature of the topic. In an era where establishing mental wellness and stability is important, it is time to stop shying away from those hard to have discussions. For many, these vary, but here are a few conversations we have identified that some people find difficult to have and that we think should definitely be discussed.
Traumatic Experiences
Many persons suffer in silence having been victims of trauma. Whether they were physical, mental or emotional; persons shy away from becoming vulnerable and sharing the burdens that permeate their mind constantly. This type of deflection can have serious repercussions on a person’s behaviour and actions. For the person experiencing the trauma, finding someone to confide in, whether personally or professional is necessary to be able to identify and manage the triggers of the trauma. For persons who are selected as confidants, it is important to approach these conversations with an open non-judgemental mind in order to create a supportive safe space for the person to vent. Sometimes it requires us to reach out to our family, friends and loved ones. If you have that type of close relationship with them, offer yourself as an outlet through which they can feel safe, seen and supported.
Sexual Encounters
Sexual encounters are a natural hormonal desire. While abstinence until marriage is always the safest route, there are people giving in to their sexual urges. Dating applications and social events are two of the more prominent avenues through which persons connect to fulfil sexual urges. Many persons tend to keep their “sexcapades” private to reduce the scrutiny of judgment; however, if you are meeting persons to go on dates or to have some consensual fun, it is important to have at least one person who you can confide in and share with them your intended location and activities and whom you plan to meet. Too many persons fall victim to harm or assault because they decided to keep their activities secret; in extreme cases some persons go missing or lose their life. There is nothing wrong with having strong sexual desires that need fulfilment, however, identify someone you can trust that will always ensure that no matter what you do, you are able to return home safely.
Sexual Identity and Responsibility
The conversation between parents and their children around sexual responsibility and identity is not common. Most children are left to learn about sexual education through their schools, in conversation with friends or by watching programmes online. Many parents and caregivers usually shy away from having wholesome conversations about the topic and instead strike fear into their wards about pregnancy, sexual orientation and diseases and infections. In this current century, it is time to dispel the taboo nature of conversations about sexual responsibility and identity. These conversations need to be approached without fear and intimidation. Creating open lines of trust, support and love will create the perfect dynamic to communicate in a wholesome way and allow for accurate information and guidance to be given to children at that stage of their development.
The reversal of gender roles
Many traditionalists still believe in the thought process of some characteristics being distinctly male and others being distinctly female. Men and women have long been ascribed particular responsibilities in society, the home and even the workplace. However social norms have shifted and have seen a reversal in gender roles with more women becoming bread winners and some men becoming more dependent on their female counterparts. The role of men and masculinity in society has changed with some persons still holding fast to their traditional views. Nonetheless, in this day and age, it is important to re-engage the conversations with the shifting times and to release the archaic views that create feelings of anxiety, pressure and aggression in men who feel they are not living up to expectations. Now, more than ever, we need to discuss the existing landscape and how both men and women fit into the current dynamic in a supportive and symbiotic way.
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 11 #3 at any supermarket, pharmacy or book store near you.
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