Interpersonal Relationships – SS2 Civic Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

Interpersonal relationship is the interaction or association between two or more people in society.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define interpersonal relationship.
2. Describe the six types of interpersonal relationship.
3. List the skills that promote interpersonal relationships.
4. Identify behaviours that weaken interpersonal relationships.
5. State the importance of interpersonal relationships in society.

What are the key terms?

• Interpersonal relationship: the link or association between two or more people.
• Interpersonal skills: the qualities and habits that help people get along with one another.
• Coexistence: living together peacefully in the same community or country.
• Peer: a person of the same age, class, group or level as another.

Why do people need interpersonal relationships?

People need interpersonal relationships because no person can live in isolation.

• Daily needs: we depend on others for food, trade, education, health care and protection.
• Coexistence: good relationships make it possible for people to live together peacefully.
• Belonging: everyone belongs to a family, school, community and nation.
• Shared work: many tasks, such as farming, building and business, need cooperation.

What are the types of interpersonal relationship?

There are six types of interpersonal relationship: man and woman, man and man, woman and woman, government and individual, peer, and relationship across culture or race.

1. Man and woman relationship

• Meaning: exists between a man and a woman at different levels and for various reasons.
• Result: it often leads to marriage between a mature man and woman.

2. Man and man relationship

• Meaning: exists between a man and another man.
• Examples: friends or business partners.
• Lasting factor: it lasts long if both gain something meaningful from each other.

3. Woman and woman relationship

• Meaning: exists between a woman and another woman.
• Basis: it could be economic, social, religious or otherwise.
• Examples: a women’s association or cooperative.

4. Government and individual relationship

• Meaning: exists between the government and a citizen.
• When it arises: when the individual has business to transact with the government or services to render on its behalf.
• Examples: paying tax or applying for a document.

5. Peer relationship

• Meaning: exists between people of the same group, age bracket, mates or colleagues.
• Examples: classmates, age grades and co-workers.

6. Relationship across culture or race

• Meaning: exists between people from different cultural backgrounds, languages and races.
• Example: neighbours from different ethnic groups in the same town.

Which skills promote interpersonal relationships?

Interpersonal skills are the qualities and habits that help people get along with one another, and ten of them are listed below.

• Honesty: being sincere and not cheating or deceiving others.
• Truthfulness: telling the truth at all times.
• Tolerance: accepting people whose views, beliefs or habits differ from yours.
• Love: genuine care and concern for other people.
• Patience: staying calm and waiting without anger when others are slow or make mistakes.
• Selflessness: putting the needs of others before your own.
• Hospitality: welcoming and caring for visitors and strangers.
• Forgiveness: letting go of anger toward someone who has wronged you.
• Respect: treating others politely and honouring their rights.
• Good communication: listening carefully and speaking clearly and kindly.

What behaviours weaken interpersonal relationships?

Behaviours that weaken interpersonal relationships are the opposites of the skills above, such as lying, hatred and selfishness.

What happens when interpersonal relationships are poor?

Poor interpersonal relationships lead to quarrels, mistrust and division among people.

• Conflict: misunderstanding grows into quarrels and fights.
• Mistrust: people stop believing and depending on one another.
• Division: groups, families and communities break apart.
• Slow progress: cooperation fails, so development suffers.

Why are interpersonal relationships important?

Interpersonal relationships are important because they help people live together in peace and work for the progress of society.

• Peace: it promotes peace in society.
• Unity: it encourages the spirit of togetherness among people.
• Progress: it ensures progress and development in society.
• Fewer conflicts: it helps to reduce quarrels and disputes.
• Law and order: it ensures law and order in society.
• Good image: it promotes the good image of the people.
• Security: it enhances security in society.

Evaluation

1. Define interpersonal relationship.
2. List the six types of interpersonal relationship.
3. State four skills that promote interpersonal relationships.
4. Name four behaviours that weaken interpersonal relationships.
5. Give four reasons why interpersonal relationships are important in society.

Assignment

Answer all the questions below. For questions 1 to 5, choose the letter that is most appropriate.

1. Which of the following is not required for interpersonal relationships?
   A. Tolerance
   B. Truthfulness
   C. Selfishness
   D. Forgiveness
2. Good interpersonal relationships will lead to ……….
   A. conflict
   B. unity
   C. disorder
   D. insecurity
3. The interpersonal relationship between people of the same age group is ……..
   A. individual relationship
   B. age group relationship
   C. governmental relationship
   D. peers relationship
4. The interpersonal relationship that can easily lead to marriage is ……..
   A. husband and wife relationship
   B. peers relationship
   C. man and woman relationship
   D. man and man relationship
5. The ability to tell and stand for the truth at all times is called ……..
   A. tolerance
   B. patience
   C. honesty
   D. love
6. Explain how selflessness can promote interpersonal relationships in society.