Understanding the Three Pillars of a Healthy Relationship

BY JANET HOWARD

In his 1998 study on romantic relationships, American psychologist Robert Sternberg identifies three key elements to a successful coupling: Passion, intimacy and commitment. It's normal for relationships to go through shifts in how strong each of these elements is, and certainly possible for a strong relationship to exist from time to time with one of them missing. However, the ideal is to have all three, creating what he calls 'consummate love'. Here are what the different combinations mean and how they may relate to the type of relationship you're in.

A Different Kind of Love Triangle Sternberg's love triangle has nothing to do with a third person, but rather relates to the three pillars he identifies as existing in the ideal relationship. When passion, intimacy and commitment all exist, it's called consummate love, and the chance that both people are satisfied is very high in this case. Each of these elements is important, but alone are not enough to sustain a healthy relationship: Pure passion is just infatuation, while nothing but intimacy is little more than friendship, and commitment alone is 'empty love', where each person perhaps stays together for practical purposes. It's also possible for two of these elements to exist without the third.

Fatuous Love When passion and commitment exist without intimacy, the relationship is exciting, but somewhat shallow. Your sex life may be great and your promise to stay together solid, but if you can't share a laugh now and then and enjoy some kind of friendship, it may be difficult to truly bond. Companionate Love Commitment and intimacy without passion make for a warm yet flat relationship. While you may get on like the best of friends, sharing in-jokes and hobbies, and decide to spend your life together, most people would agree that sex and a level of exciting passion is important to keep the spark going. Without passion, you're more companions than lovers.

Romantic Love Passion and intimacy without commitment may take your breath away, but cannot last unless both partners can decide to stay together. These relationships may be short-lived if there's doubt over your future. These are often referred to as whirlwind romances because they're thrilling but short-lived.

The Perfect Mix Where all three elements exist, consummate love can bloom. The reason these types of relationships last is that there's little lacking. There's the thrill of passion, the security of commitment and the closeness of intimately knowing each other and getting on. Of course, even where these three are present there may be a heavy balance to one or two of these without much emphasis on the third. For example, a couple with a healthy sex life and strong commitment may enjoy doing certain things together but sometimes argue about what to do in their down-time. It's important to remember that no relationship is completely perfect, as everyone is an individual and it's impossible to agree and be connected on every level all of the time. However, by addressing if any of these elements is missing in the relationship, a couple can begin to work on improving what may be lacking in order to restore balance and create a happier life as a couple.l

Moving to the US from Latin & Hispanic Countries: What You Need to Know

BY JOURNAL STAFF

The opportunity of migration can be exciting, daunting, and rewarding. Many nationals from the Latin and Hispanic countries are turning their attention to the United States, the land of opportunity for a new life. They typically move to states like New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Georgia, which offer the possibility to move somewhere with no language barriers for English speakers and fewer language barriers for Spanish speakers. With inflation, recession, political instability, crime, and abuse of women in Latin & Hispanic countries increasing, more immigrants want to come to the United States. So, how do you make the transition? To help you better prepare to move or to identify if it is the best option for you, immigration researchers from the Immigrant’s Journal Publication, www.immigrantsjournal.com, used the search analytics tool SEMrush. Their research revealed five of the most searched questions on Google about moving to the United States. Here are the explanations on all questions and answers to the most asked questions!

1. How much does it cost to move to the United States? Finances are one of the most popular reasons people want to start a new life abroad. However, this can already be a challenge, from visas to flight tickets and fees before settling in the United States. In response to the commonly searched question, “How much does it cost to move to the United States?” experts from the Immigrant’s Journal answered: “It is essential to get a basic idea of how much it might cost you before making your immigration decision. We recommend you consider costs in terms of visa application fees, national healthcare surcharge, flight tickets, the shipping fees for your belongings, housing deposits, etc. Unfortunately, most immigrants, especially from Latin and Hispanic countries enter the United States unlawfully at the United States border through Mexico, seeking political asylum, refugee status, Temporary Protected Status and enter Without Inspection.”

2. Should I move to the United States? As starting a new life in another country can be stressful and unpredictable, immigration can be one of the most complex decisions. Whether it’s because of friends or family, food or weather, our ties at home are likely to make us hesitant when facing this choice. To help you feel more prepared for decision-making, experts from the Immigrant’s Journal answered the commonly searched question, “Should I move to the United States?” “If you want to move to the United States for a different lifestyle, it’s a personal choice. Don’t rush into any decision before you collect all the information. You need to make sure you’re familiar with the rules and regulations in the United States, which may be different from your home country. For example, as a legal or non-legal resident, you will have access to some free healthcare and free state schools; but you may also want to be aware of state, city, and federal taxes where applicable and a higher income tax than at home. It is necessary to weigh these positives and negatives and consider how important these are for you.”

3. How to move to the United States legally from home? To answer the most asked question: “How to move to the United States from Latin and Hispanic countries?” experts from the Law Firm, Figeroux & Associates, www.askthelawyer.us, 855768-8845, revealed: “There is no single answer to this question, as different options of migration routes are available to immigrants who want to visit or live in the United States. The most common route people take to live in the United States for more than six months is to get a work visa, H-1B or H2-B, or a visitor’s visa for vacation, B1/B2. An employment visa provides sponsorship and a path to permanent residency. There are other visa options if you are exceptionally wealthy or have a familial connection to the United States. For example, an investor visa with at least a US$500,000.00 or a one million financial requirement. Student visas also allow you to live in the United States, but you would need to apply for other visas after graduation as they do not directly lead to permanent residence.” Please visit the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates (www.askthelawyer.us) or call 855-7688845 and schedule a consultation.

4. What are the legal requirements to move to the United States? Another popular question related to moving to the United States from America is: “What are the legal requirements to move there?” To answer this question, the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates —www.askthelawyer.us — shared the following from a legal expert’s perspective: “It is imperative to check if you have a right to reside in the United States, and, as mentioned before, a visa application is needed to work. Please be aware that the United States requires that all submitted applications must constitute a “valid application,” including correct personal information, fees paid in full, legal identity documents, and genuine answers to immigration history, such as the number of refusals received, etc. You could always seek professional help from an immigration lawyer if you struggle to handle visas or immigration needs.” Please visit the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates — www.askthelawyer.us or call 855-768-8845 and schedule a telephone consultation.

5. Can my spouse or fiancée move to the United States? In response to the question of “Can my spouse or partner move to the United States?” the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associate, www.askthelawyer.us — provides some comfort to any couples facing long-distance relationships across countries: “The answer is mostly yes, if you are married, in a civil partnership, or have a fiancée. A family petition or fiancée visa is what you could go for when applying. However, even though one person is a United States citizen or has already settled in the United States, your application still needs to go through the full process with all the required legal documents. For example, you may need proof of relationship status, combined income, and documents translated to English.” Please visit the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates, www.askthelawyer.us or call 855-768-8845 and schedule a telephone consultation.l

The lawyer you hire, does make a difference!