Types of Relationships

Analytical Essay on Maintaining a Romantic Relationship

by: Queenie C. Abugan

            When two people choose to enter in an interpersonal connection and believe the bond to be romantic, they have chosen to be in a romantic relationship with one another. Almost all people wants to have a romantic relationship, but how can we maintain such kind of relationship? Let’s have some insights from my brother, Michael Abugan, who has been in a romantic relationship with his girlfriend Jody for 6 years. According to him, at the start of their relationship, it seemed all is well and exhilarating. This is before conflict arises and negative emotions cause things to get real and bring the relationship down from the clouds. However, one of the reasons why they are able to maintain their relationship is by giving each other allowances for mistakes and by forgiving. They also respect and trust each other. With that being said, a romantic relationship is one of the most rewarding, complex, and significant entities in a person’s life, and though it seems as if maintaining one should come easily, at times it can be one of the most difficult challenges. 

        Michael and Jody also experienced misunderstandings like other lovers. However, having effective communication and mutual desire to be together, the challenges of misunderstanding one another has been surmounted. Because they are deeply invested emotionally, mentally, and possibly physically, the stakes are higher than those in a friendship relationship. 

        Michael shared that since Jody is in Canada for a year now, sometimes they can’t communicate well in a day due to the differences of time between Philippines and Canada as well as their work schedule. They are able to maintain their relationship by meeting each other halfway and thinking about the personal needs of each other, for example, enough rest from a tiring day at work. With that being said, although the inherit nature of the human race is to focus primarily on personal needs, in a committed romantic relationship it is important that the needs of the other partner are also taken into consideration, which may require compromise on how communication and expression of feelings are exchanged. 

        They are also able to maintain a good relationship by appreciating each other in who they are and what they do, that is being less negative and more kind in their evaluation and feedback of each other. It is important to note that partners are happier and more committed when positive interactions between partners outweigh negative ones. 

        One of the big adjustments in Michael and Jody’s relationship was when Jody flew abroad for work. The two view the change as something to be embraced as an opportunity for their relationship to grow and reach a deeper level instead of something to be resisted and ignored. By periodically setting aside time to check in with one another on these changes, the couple are assured that they are aware of the other’s changing life and goals, therefore enhancing the intensity of their connection. 

        Like other lovers, they also had quarrels regarding a number of things. According to Michael, it was hard, but once they are in a disagreement they usually let each other have some time to cool off so that hurtful things are not said that could potentially cause damage to their relationship. This personal time can allow each of them to alleviate their anger or hurt and rationalize their thoughts. After that, they talk and try to be understanding of each other’s views and opinions. 

        From their relationship, I could say that the best approach to maintaining a healthy romantic relationship is to not overlook each other’s flaws and shortcomings but to accept and embrace them. For a proper communication to take place, both partners must be willing to give up their stubborn pride and come to terms with the fact that their way of handling situations is not the only way. Once this level of respect is present, problems that comes with the relationship will be overcome. Though this can be challenging and at times overwhelming, the success of maintaining a romantic relationship is one of the most fulfilling aspect of life known to mankind.

Pets are Family: An Analytical Essay on Pet Relationships

by: Jonina Ria B. Burgos

            In life, we constantly want love and attention, whether it comes from other people or ourselves since love and relationships are things that we need. According to research, when we are in love, it causes our body to release feel-good hormones and neurochemicals that can trigger specific positive reactions (The Economic Times, 2014). However, we do not only desire love and attention from humans, but animals too can give the same type of love that all of us deserve. Hence, to prove this, I interviewed my brother, Pablo B. Burgos IV, a pet owner for more than five years. He is a 22-year old mechanical engineering student from Don Bosco Technical College Cebu currently residing in Tacloban City, Leyte. He was the one who introduced me to taking care of pets when he brought a dog to our house when I was nine years old. The dog was a 4-month old Aspin puppy. He named her Yami. Unfortunately, after a few years, Yami died due to a vehicular accident when she tried to follow me when I was about to ride the jeep. Now, my brother and I are caring for two dogs named Bangs and Bunny and a recently adopted kitten whom I rescued on the streets last March 3, 2022, and called her Thirdy because she was found on a Thursday night. The interview held last March 22, 2022, took place in our house in Tacloban City and lasted more or less 30 minutes. Since the informant shared with us his personal experiences of being a pet owner, this paper revolves around proving that animals, specifically our pets, are one of the best sources of love because even though we don’t understand each other, they know when to comfort us and their loyalty towards their owners is incomparable to humans. When everyone turns their back on us, they are ready to lend a paw.

            The interview started with a question on how the informant describes his relationship with his current pets; Bangs, Bunny, and Thirdy. From what I have understood, the informant describes his relationship with his pets not just merely a pet relationship but it goes beyond having a pet. He treats them as a family who constantly needs love, time, and affection. He compared having pets to a mother and child relationship wherein there are a lot of sacrifices involved to give the ideal life that his pets need. Similar to humans, having pets is highly beneficial to both the owners and the animals. According to (Trautner, 2017), pets give us a sense of responsibility that feels like we are their parents or older siblings who need to watch over them most of the time. I’ve realized that people similar to the informant have treated their pets like family because whenever they need help, their pets are always there to comfort them. Their loyalty to humans is more than just being a pet; they also do some sacrifices similar to how some of our family members sacrifice to give us the life that we need and protect us from all sorts of evil that exist in the world. The story of Kabang proves to us that pets are not just pets; they are family. A news article from CBS News written by Michelle Castillo last June 6, 2013, stated that Kabang was a family dog of Rudy Bunggal. The dog lost his upper snout, nose, and lower eyelid while trying to save Rudy’s daughter and niece. The story of Kabang indeed supports the informant's statement that pets will go beyond to show us their love, and it is something that an exceptional family member will ever do. However, every family has its own set of problems and challenges that they go through, and this is not something different when it comes to owning pets.

            Pablo B. Burgos IV, the informant, shared with us the challenges that he went through when owning pets, and the first thing that came to his mind is that the most challenging part of being a pet owner is losing them. This is one of the difficult occasions that every owner fears because losing someone significant in our life can completely change our lives for the better or the worst. The informant’s first dog Yami died when he was only ten years old, and as a child, it hurt so bad having to lose a family member. It somehow triggered him to not own pets anymore due to the accident that happened to Yami. For years, we did not have dogs thinking it would hurt Yami to see our family be with another dog. My brother always remembers Yami whenever he looks at our neighbor’s house since our neighbor was the one who gave my brother his first-ever puppy. Even though owning pets, particularly dogs, can be disastrous inside our house, every owner still makes a way to share their home and heart with their companion. Hence, it causes so much sorrow to live in a house again without them being with you. This was supported by (Ryback, 2016), since he claimed that a death of a companion animal can hurt so much as the loss of a human significant other. When losing pets, owners go through the stages of grief similar to when losing a relative or a friend. Grief can be a challenge, especially if it is prolonged and untreated. Grief has no timeline and no boundaries. Each of us has our own time to heal and move on from the pain of losing someone. Nonetheless, in the end, we still need to find ways to cope with the situation and solve these challenges. Indeed, losing someone significant is difficult, but we must go on with our lives and begin a new chapter even if they are no longer in the picture.

            Since the informant told us about the most difficult challenge of being a pet owner, I asked a follow-up question on how he manages this kind of problem, especially having experience of losing a pet. The only thing that he answered was acceptance. Definitely, it is not easy to lose a pet, a family, a friend, and a companion. However, the only thing that we need to do is to accept things that are beyond our control. Similar to what the informant had told us, “when you engage yourself in a pet relationship, you should also prepare yourself for the challenges that it will give you”. Hence, I realized that pet owners are among the bravest people since they anticipate the worst scenario and will always attempt to avoid it to extend the lives of their pets, especially because animals are known to have a short lifespan. (Ryback, 2016), stated that acceptance is the final stage of grief where there is a need to accept the loss but not necessarily forget the memories that both of you made. Sometimes, keeping the memories of your pet alive can be the healthiest way to go through grief.

            In conclusion, we do not only form relationships with humans but with animals as well. We create an incredible connection with them, especially as animals heavily depend on their humans and would always be there for them even though it means sacrificing their own life. Losing them is similar to losing a human companion and causes a significant impact on our lives as pet owners. It is a challenge that pet owners already prepare themselves for, even before thinking about owning one. However, life is a constant battle that we need to face, and challenges similar to losing a pet are something that needs to be accepted. The interview has made me realize that pet relationships give us the love we deserve. When everyone turns their back on us, they are ready to lend a paw.

Analytical Essay on Pet Relationships

by: Mark Xander H. Malbas

            I interviewed my cousin Stefen Dave Heyrosa living in Centro, Labogon Mandaue City. He is a pet lover ever since a child until this present time and his pets are cats he do love cats since as a child. He is a pet owner more than five years now. He is 18 years old. He studies in University of Cebu as a Bachelor Of Science In Customs Administration as a first year student. 

            The first part of the interview was I was greeting him and asking how is his day going. He replied that he is excited and very happy because of one of his cats was pregnant and will give birth to it’s kittens from two weeks or three weeks from now and I am so happy because there will be another blessing to come and their cats will be added more. More so, he already have five cats namely; Baba, Kitty, Minggay, Nana and lastly the pregnant one Dora. After the first part of the interview I asked him several question for him to answer and so that I will get information on how to be one of the cat lovers if I wanted to. First question for him to answer was, “How much and how often does the pet eat, go outside, go to the toilet?” , he answered the cats will be fed only twice a day ten in the morning and six in the evening. The cats will go out to poop depends only if they have an illnesses or something that can affect their stomach and will cause an irregularity for their pooping schedule. Most of his cats also will go out to play with other cats two times a day the same as their pooping schedule. But if it’s their mating season or time that will depend also. For me as a point of view, as a pet owner I will need to understand the pet's regular routine. Find out if it’s need to feed the pet, and if so, what kind of food I will need and how much I need. I need also to know their toilet habits once I fed them. Make sure that I know where my pet goes to the bathroom. It's also crucial to stick to the pet's regular walking schedule to know their pooping routine. Next question was is “How do you deal with good and bad behaviours?” he replied that if he commands the cat and it follows the orders he will give it a food to eat as a treat and also for the reason that the cat will obey his orders, and if it will be showing a bad behaviour towards other cats or to him he will physically punish it just a little only and to correct the cat by verbally punishing it until it will show a face of regret according to him and all will be good. As my point of view, as a pet owner I am the one who is responsible for the pet’s behavior towards others like other cats and other people or even to its surrounding. As a owner I have to teach my pet to be a good one just like raising a good kid because for me a pet ownership is the same as raising a kid. Last question, “What should you do if you need to leave for any reason?” he answered, if he has to leave for a reason he will be calling all the cats at home and put them in a big cage and put some water and food to eat and also a small sand-pebble likes oil in order for them to pee or poop in and also by telling them that he will be back as soon as possible or as soon as he will be done by his task. In my own perspective it is a must to have the pets inside the big cage to avoid any accidents just like breaking glasses or scratches from walls and also to avoid any injuries and to be safety. 

            To wrap up my interview to my cousin, I learned that the owning a cat or any pet is a big responsibility to have. Pet ownership is hard as raising your own kid and also you must always remember and put in mind that they will have their own routine like when to eat, when to poop their mating season also next is, correct always the bad behavior of your cat or any pet to make them obey you by treating them food and always educate or make them feel that they have done wrong physically or verbally. Lastly, avoid any accidents or injuries by putting them in a cage while you are not at home so that their lives will not be in danger and your house will not have any damages.

 ”Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.

    

Friendly Relationship: A Person Who Has A Best Friend For More Than 5 Years

by: Arman B. Normandia

            The people we surround ourselves with help mold us into the people we will become; these people are called friends. They bring a lifetime of irreplaceable laughter and sadness that one could not live without."Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”I believe that having a friend that can help you through ups and downs can listen you problems can cheer you up when your feeling down.Finding someone that you can fully trust is hard it has also a process in order for you to have a ride or die buddy. To have a best friend both of them will face also challenges,highs and lows that can help them to make their friendship more stronger.Mostly all of us have friends, whether it be three or more or even just one really close friend our friendships are important to each one of us. But what is true friendship? What does true friendship mean to you? For me it means sticking by that person’s side through everything, having or being patient with one another, doing fun things with each other, helping each other when help is needed

            Their story started as a strangers in the place of their common friend birthday party and at first they had an exchange greetings with a smile.While all are enjoying the party ofcourse it has a time limit with the receptions,They had an after party at their friends house,They had drinks exhange of talks and without knowing that they had enough chitchats like they didnt even noticed their vibe and they are both enjoying.They find out in that small talks about they have a lot of common things in their likes and dislikes.Starting from that they continued hanging out together and making memorable memories together.Months along with their friendship they are much comfortable with each other and they are exchanging secrets and life experiences they both trust each other like they both respect each other.As days and months goes by they treated each other like their own sister.There is always a challenge in every friendship but they make it as a motivation to make their friendship more stronger and for them trust and respect is the key.If they have misunderstanding they both talk to it like they cant afford to argue in a long time.If you truly appreciate a person as , then show it said Bea Show support and encouragement, not envy and doubts. Apologizing your mistakes and making up to them. Never let them feel that he/she is an option when you no longer have company. She added, when bea answered that I felt teary eye because it is very true and Agreeable.As to their memorable scenario of their friendship bea said that

            "That time, we were out partying until 4 am. There was this one store that will be having their grand opening at 6am and will be giving free breakfast to those who will buy 3 clothes and We decided to come. When it was already 6 am, we were there already and she bought 6 clothes and had her 2 food packs. And it turned out that it was tasteless, should’ve got home earlier."Imagining that kind of bond together through ups and down they are with each even the darkest time of each other and also to the bright side of them.

            Friendship is, in many respects, a "comfortable" love relationship. Friendships involve as little or as much intimacy as the partners are inclined to express at any given time. Friends are not normally obligated to exchange benefits, but do so in ways that are often so natural as to be unwitting.This reminds me that that despite that challenges we need to get up and continue to fight in order to make the friendship more stronger.