Preface

Relationships are a necessary part of life. From the earliest times, individuals have gathered together for safety and support. Loneliness is an evolutionary concept that demonstrates the vital nature of interpersonal relationships. As an emotion, loneliness developed to let individuals know when they were drifting away from or being excluded by the group. It was essential to their lives to get reconnected. Life was dangerous; the community was protective. We no longer have sabretooth tigers stalking us. However, connection with each other is still required for our emotional and physical health.

This book examines interpersonal relationships from many different angles.

Section One considers how internal and external factors impact connectedness. Chapter 1 examines intrapersonal characteristics that influence relationships. Using vignettes, the chapter looks at the complexity of personhood and connections. Chapter 2 examines role satisfaction in our daily lives and its impact on mental health. Chapter 3 dietary habits and relationships, especially in light of the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chapter 4 examines the effect of space on interpersonal relationships. The author introduces the concept of "spatial empathy," which examines how spatial order can affect our attitudes towards others.

Section Two looks at interpersonal relationships in youth. Chapter 5 suggests that even in early childhood, interpersonal interactions facilitate the acquisition of social skills and emotion regulation strategies. Chapter 6 examines how school is a microcosm of society. It helps us understand that conflict has negative as well as positive aspects. The chapter proposes skills that can help resolve conflict in a productive way. Chapters 7 and 8 consider ways that schools can become more inclusive to help prepare for the United Nations' Agenda 2030 milestone, which aims at creating and sustaining workplaces that welcome individuals with all types of disabilities. Chapter 9 explores the explicit and implicit meanings of civic engagement among our youth. Participation in events is not enough; youth must feel that these activities add meaning to their lives.

Section Three delves into interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Chapter 10 discusses technology, with a focus on working from home, which has become widespread due to the pandemic, and the effect remote work has on work-life balance. Chapter 11 examines communities of practice in the arena of academia. These groups help foster engagement, connection, and validation in spheres of work that can, at times, be isolating. Chapter 12 delves into the challenges of teamwork in medicine as well as the benefits that can be achieved for patients, the community, and healthcare professionals. Chapter 13 looks more closely at the interpersonal relationships between physicians and their patients. It examines tools to ensure that physicians are listening to and communicating effectively with their patients.

Section Four addresses intimate interpersonal relationships, both the positive and negative aspects. Chapter 14 discusses the effects that family-of-origin interactions can have on interpersonal relationships even when we become adults. Chapter 15

looks at the complexity of "positive illusions" within interpersonal relationships. At times, we may see our partner in a more positive light, but this is not always beneficial. Chapter 16 presents cases of battered women and their abilities to form interpersonal relationships again after being victims of violence.

Interpersonal relationships are complex. They add richness to our lives but can, sometimes, be overwhelming and even damaging. We develop beliefs about ourselves and others from interpersonal relationships, especially lessons from our early life and family interactions. Environmental conditions influence our relationships, such as the tremendous impact of the pandemic on relationships in work and daily life. Yet, we find from these chapters that we can influence how we interact with others. We can work to find hope and improve our lives. We can develop connections that bring deep meaning to our lives.

I encourage you to find new ideas in this book and then practice the art of interpersonal relationships. Reach out to a colleague, a family member, or a friend. Talk about your relationships and the value that they bring to your life. Or consider your values and determine if they are currently included in your life. Do you need to engage more with the community or allow yourself to be more vulnerable with others? Is loneliness whispering in your ear or causing a deep and unfulfilled ache? That may be the hint that you need to look at the relationships in your life and consider if you need to pursue additional contacts. Don't drift away from your communities, both in work and your personal life. Work to discover and appreciate your own unique gifts as you develop connections with others.

**Martha Peaslee Levine, MD**

Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Psychiatry and Humanities, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA

## Section 1
