An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

My Coast Guard
Commentary | May 5, 2021

Increase your personal readiness by finding the right relationship—Learn how this Wellness Wednesday

By Keisha Reynolds, MyCG Staff Writer

Finding your perfect companion can be exhausting and that frustration can spill over into your work life. This is the reason this week’s Wellness Wednesday’s guests will help to demystify the dating journey and offer a new approach to finding the right relationship, while explaining what healthy relationships look like. Join Chaplain Jason Ragain, and Employee Assistance Program Coordinator, Leslie Cardona, as they delve into the elements of compatibility within relationships at 3 p.m. EDT, on CVR Teams, May 5.

Unknowingly at times, our personal relationships—whether a friend, a spouse or romantic partner—can impact our readiness at work. “If we are unhappy with our significant other, it affects our well-being, or work performance and bleeds into how we interact with those around us in our workplace,” said Cardona. 

Ragain furthers this point by noting the importance of selecting partners carefully. “Choosing a partner is probably the most significant lifetime commitment a person makes and it should be done wisely,” said Ragain who added, “These skills aren't traditionally taught in schools.”

Although healthy relationships are not typically taught within educational systems, there are self-study materials that do provide guidance. Throughout the discussion, Ragain and Cardona will reference a book called "How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk,” by John Van Epp, Ph.D. The author explains how to ensure you are choosing your best match for a partner and provides a framework of predictors for assessing and ensuring how to build a long-lasting relationship.

Ragain summarized by stating, “The purpose of this training is to provide tools to help people stay clear of toxic individuals. If we are around positive people who build us up, those relationships can influence us to bring our “A” game every day, and that is what we want for everyone.”    

 
Resources:

If you have questions you would like addressed please email them in advance. Please click this link to attend Wellness Wednesday from your Coast Guard computer, personal computer or mobile device. Even if you do not have a CVR.mil account, you can still watch the stream via the link above. If you wish to maintain anonymity, log out of your normal (USCG/DOD) CVR account and join as a guest. You may also call (571) 388-3904; Conference ID 453 387 852#. If you have questions or suggestions, you may email us.