As our society matures--our interpersonal relationships keeps getting worse, why?

[Jefetio]

I don't think interpersonal communication needs to be taught in high school, if it was my post that people got that from then I was misunderstood.

These skills and values are things that should be passed down from parents, family or mentors not from the school IMO. I don't think that we are doing a good job of it as parents, family and mentors

[mishigas73]

Originally Posted by Fat Freddy

If that's what it is, and somebody thinks this is needed, well, then there's the problem right there.

Absolutely agreed.

There *are* things in this world that aren't learned in the classroom, and this would be one of them.

[Lillietta]

The character of a person is no longer prized. We used to have ideals, heroes, honor, shame, pride. When that disappeared, well, anything goes.

[Huckleberry3911948]

much of what tries to pass itself off as social identity is really just plain bad behavior?
people that deny they are sick are not motivated to seek a cure?
if we keep turning off lights, its gets darker no?

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Originally Posted by Jefetio

These skills and values are things that should be passed down from parents, family or mentors not from the school IMO. I don't think that we are doing a good job of it as parents, family and mentors

In some cases parents, family and mentors do a very good job of doing this (Asians, Jewish families). Then, you have cases where the parents, family and mentors are very poor examples for children (i.e., single parent household, poor language skills at home, lack of morality and virtue).

So you are actually right that it could be better taught at home. But if you have a family with only one parent or if people in the household say things like "Im fenda.." or "Let me axe you sumpin'" or if for every three words spoken in english, one word is spoken in spanish it makes it difficult for children to learn to function/communicate in society.

[mishigas73]

Originally Posted by DaBeez

In some cases parents, family and mentors do a very good job of doing this (Asians, Jewish families).

Oh wow...

Not too much of a stereotype there.

I came from a *Jewish family* and was incredibly shy and reticent until I went to college. Surprisingly, a typically "non-Jewish college". It was *there* that I learned a lot of the social skills that I have today.

I initially learned the importance of social interaction from my family, and my family's friends (they were Italian and Catholic, if you wish to add that to your list). But, it wasn't until I went to college that I came into my own, socially.

IMO, these things can be taught by ANY person, of whatever race, creed, religion or economic status. It doesn't matter if you're from the inner city, or live in the biggest house in town. Social interaction is a HUMAN trait, not a white one, or a Jewish one.

In my almost 35 years on this earth, I have never seen someone not succeed in becoming a social being, simply because of their race or religion. Frankly, I think that any argument about that is just an excuse. Nothing more.

[cremebrulee]

Originally Posted by bhs119

That is one aspect of diversity.

There seem to be such strong feelings/anger connected to every issue and aspect of life that it's difficult to how others may respond.

Another which comes to mind, is how Customer Service reps, represent their companies. Since, most are working and living in another country, they lack knowledge, experience, a good grasp of their job description, compassion and diplomacy. They simply do not care about the customer any longer. It is incredible how our country has thown away quality for more money, and in the end, you have very angry people. It's not fair, not right, and simply embarrassing to the companies themselves....they have sold their souls.....

[willdufauve]

Originally Posted by Fat Freddy

I took English, Public Speaking, and Latin in High School

Never heard of interpersonal communication.

What is it?

Please don't tell me it's a class in how to talk to other people.

If that's what it is, and somebody thinks this is needed, well, then there's the problem right there.

Transactional Analysis

[KevK]

I have a different perspective in that I think relationships have ALWAYS been bad but people just put up with it and got along. I used to see this when I was a kid in my folks and the parents of friends of mine. They fought like hell all of the time but the "D" word was a no no then mainly because women depended on their husbands for support for them and the kids. And divorce was a shame. I was one of a very few kids that had periods without a dad in the household. Now days divorce is cool and women have good jobs and can easily walk away from an unhappy situation. So it may SEEM like relationships are worse but really they are not.

[cremebrulee]

Originally Posted by KevK

I have a different perspective in that I think relationships have ALWAYS been bad but people just put up with it and got along. I used to see this when I was a kid in my folks and the parents of friends of mine. They fought like hell all of the time but the "D" word was a no no then mainly because women depended on their husbands for support for them and the kids. And divorce was a shame. I was one of a very few kids that had periods without a dad in the household. Now days divorce is cool and women have good jobs and can easily walk away from an unhappy situation. So it may SEEM like relationships are worse but really they are not.

Well, at least we've progressed in that respect....I believe in any relationship...even amongst friends, you must earn respect, first...you stand back and watch how people are reacting, what feelings they are projecting, if they are able to allow...but....for the most part, I think this country, is sick and tired of people expecting to get everything given to them. Which is also a large part of having diversity thrown at us....diversity means, to many....you can have one person, who works their tails off and never gets their due rewards...and there are others who take advantage of the system and are rewarded for bad behavior. That is the issue which angers many here in America...it is not fair, to adhere one group of ethnics to all the rules and regulations of this country, and then, allow others to absolutely break those laws, and give them everything...without holding them responsible...which means, they do not respect laws, and are constantly given something for nothing. Not fair at all, and causes divission....
big time!