Pastratorii iubirii

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http://randigunther.blogspot.com/2011/08/who-are-keepers-traits-of-long-term.html  Who Are The "Keepers?" - T he Behaviors of Long-Term Successful Relationship Partners Many long-term relationship seekers have failed to find their ideal partners despite sincere and intense efforts. They have read dozens of self-help books and Internet articles, watched dating videos, and sought competent therapists to help them. They have learned every phase of finding the right partner, correcting their own dysfunctional behavior, and keeping competitive in the dating market. Yet, they have not been successful in maintaining lasting relationships.  As a relationship therapist for forty years, I believ e that the most important evidence has been overlooked. Most all relationship advice has f ocused on the popular qualities and behaviors people think will ensure success, and have largely ignored those that consistently create great relationships.  Operating under the radar, people with these under the radar qualities dont appear in tabloids or reality TV shows. They dont live on pedestals, fall from grace when they choose new relationships, or leave behind angry ex-partners. You wont usually find them leading with sexual attractiveness, status, connection s, social p erformance, financial success, or dramatic experiences.  They do understand that those society-driven highly advertised characteristicsare important, but they also know they are not likely t o be enough to survive the tes t of time and can often lose their value in the face of unexpected crises.  Ive watched these people carefully over many years. They consistently create great relationships filled with joyful and meaningful experiences. Ive heard them called Keepers, those people youd will always treasure. I support that title and definition. These successful relationship people exhibit a set of beliefs, actions, and ideals that keep relationships thriving through the good times and the bad. For the past four decades, I have asked my successful long-term relationship partners what behaviors and qualities they most treasure in each other. From those wonderful comments, I have compiled a list of the most common fifteen c onsistent identifiers. They are not hard to recognize when you know what to look for, but people in new relationships often overlook them. Keepers are people who have the gift of making others feel treasured. Their interpersonal interactions seem smooth, easy, and appropriate in most every situation.  You may already possess some of these traits, or you may want to add others or substitute some of them out. What is important is what matters t o you and what your personal experiences have been. As you read through these, think of people you have consistently treasured and felt valued by. Also note if these behaviors characterize them.  At the end of the category descriptions, you and your partner can take the short quiz to see where you stand on each of these traits. It is only for information, and not meant as a way of 

Transcript of Pastratorii iubirii

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http://randigunther.blogspot.com/2011/08/who-are-keepers-traits-of-long-term.html 

Who Are The "Keepers?" - The Behaviors of Long-TermSuccessful Relationship PartnersMany long-term relationship seekers have failed to find their ideal partners despite sincere and

intense efforts. They have read dozens of self-help books and Internet articles, watched dating

videos, and sought competent therapists to help them. They have learned every phase of 

finding the right partner, correcting their own dysfunctional behavior, and keeping competitive

in the dating market. Yet, they have not been successful in maintaining lasting relationships. 

As a relationship therapist for forty years, I believe that the most important evidence has been

overlooked. Most all relationship advice has focused on the popular qualities and behaviorspeople think will ensure success, and have largely ignored those that consistently create great

relationships. 

Operating under the radar, people with these under the radar qualities dont appear in

tabloids or reality TV shows. They dont live on pedestals, fall from grace when they choose

new relationships, or leave behind angry ex-partners. You wont usually find them leading with

sexual attractiveness, status, connections, social performance, financial success, or dramatic

experiences. 

They do understand that those society-driven highly advertised characteristicsare important,

but they also know they are not likely to be enough to survive the test of time and can often

lose their value in the face of unexpected crises. 

Ive watched these people carefully over many years. They consistently create great

relationships filled with joyful and meaningful experiences. Ive heard them called Keepers,

those people youd will always treasure. I support that title and definition. These successful

relationship people exhibit a set of beliefs, actions, and ideals that keep relationships thriving

through the good times and the bad. 

For the past four decades, I have asked my successful long-term relationship partners what

behaviors and qualities they most treasure in each other. From those wonderful comments, I

have compiled a list of the most common fifteen consistent identifiers. They are not hard to

recognize when you know what to look for, but people in new relationships often overlook

them. Keepers are people who have the gift of making others feel treasured. Their

interpersonal interactions seem smooth, easy, and appropriate in most every situation. You may already possess some of these traits, or you may want to add others or substitute

some of them out. What is important is what matters to you and what your personal

experiences have been. As you read through these, think of people you have consistently

treasured and felt valued by. Also note if these behaviors characterize them. 

At the end of the category descriptions, you and your partner can take the short quiz to see

where you stand on each of these traits. It is only for information, and not meant as a way of 

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finding fault. You may also think of other traits that have been important markers in the

successful relationships youve had or observed and could add them to the list. 

Trait One Keepers are self-accountable 

Keepers understand how love works are not afraid to question themselves. They clearly put

knowledge ahead of ego-preservation, and seek ways to help their relationships stay successful.

They ask themselves what they could do to change them for the better. They are not out to win

at their partners expense. 

Alongside of their willingness to admit wrongs and to choose compromise whenever possible,

they are also confident in their own contributions. They dont automatically give up their point

of view when challenged. You know them by their combination of ego strength and flexibility.

They not only hold their integrity under fire, but also expect that kind of behavior from people

they respect. 

Example: 

He: I keep telling you how much I hate it when youre late. No matter what I say, you dont 

seem to give a damn. What will it take for you to listen and do something about it? Im fed up.  

Keeper: (Pulls back and wants to defend, but thinks about what hes said, and where hes right.)

You have every right to be upset. I dont handle time very well. I really mean to, but I let other 

things distract me. I know Ive been getting better but you do have a history of being

disappointed with me. Im really going to make this a high priority. Work with me, okay? 

(Reaches out for his hand.) 

He: (Taking her hand.) I guess I dont trust that youre really making an effort, but I know youare. Im sorry for the rant. I guess I want to be more important to you.  

Keeper: I do this to a lot of people, and Im sure youre not alone. I will do everything I can to

make this better, babe. Im glad you cared enough to challenge me.  

Trait Two Keepers can hold on to their own personal rhythms under stress 

Keepers can blend into the rhythm of their partners when they want to because they honor and

respect their differences in timing and urgency level. They do not allow themselves to be pulled

into emotional cascades when it doesnt work for them or the relationship. 

Whether making love, spring cleaning, or planting a garden, people thrive in individual

ways. Those who respect and know their own rhythms want whats best for themselves and

their partners. They are reasonably flexible and can slow down or speed up if their partner

needs them to, but ultimately know that they are the final say on how they respond. 

Example: 

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She: (coming in the door from work) Hi, honey. Wheres the mail? Did your sister reply to our 

dinner invitation? Did you remember to pick up my prescription? Ive got to finish this damn

 presentation tonight. When am I going to do this? Im so stressed out.  

Keeper: (smiling and even)  Slow down, sweetheart. Youre spinning.  

She: Wow, I really am, arent I? I think I swallowed a whole lot of crap today and Im taking it 

out on you. I get so rattled when I have too much on my plate. Thank God you dont get pulled 

in. Youre my rock.  

Keeper: (smiling) Im sure I get rattled on occasion, too. I just hate to see you so upset,

especially by people who shouldnt matter that much. We can go over your laundry list and 

 figure this out together.  

She: Im so grateful you dont get pulled in to my stuff. Its such a relief.  

Trait Three Keepers dont patronize. They find a way to stay interested or they graciously

bow out 

Keepers know that boredom can undermine the best of relationships. Because they can hold on

to their own sense of excitement, their first response to an uninteresting situation is to try to

make it more meaningful by using their own resources. They know that staying bored will

probably make them boring as well, and they dont want others to have to endure that. Their

goal is to find meaning or joy in whatever they are doing. 

Theyre the first to admit that they dont respond as well to people who arent willing to change

their situation. They eagerly look for any way to make connections more positive and dont give

up easily. If, eventually, there is nothing more they can do, they wont patronize anotherperson by pretending that they are interested when they no longer are. 

Example: 

Keeper: Ive been asking you a lot of questions and you seem quiet. I hope Im not being

inappropriate.  

She: Thats sweet of you to ask. Im not much of a talker.  

Keeper: Im interested in knowing you better. Tell me something about yourself youd like me

to know.  

She: (shrugs) Well, Im a pretty ordinary person. Not much thats that interesting. ( Silence.) 

Keeper: (Know hes going to have to put out more effort, but still willing to try.) Well, what do

you like most about your work? Youre a dental hygienist, right? It must be nice to make people

 feel better about themselves. What kind of people do you usually see?  

She: I guess its an okay job. The people are usually nice.  

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Keeper: Have you ever thought about doing any other kind of work in your life? Maybe

something that would be more meaningful?  

She: Ive never really thought about it.  

Keeper: (realizing this isnt working very well, but wants to get through dinner without making

her feel badly) Well, what would you like to order? I really like the halibut here. Do you like

halibut?  

She: (peering at the menu and seemingly unaffected) I need some time to decide.  

Keeper: Take our time. Id like you to get something you really enjoy.  

Trait Four Keepers see humor as a sacred part of relationships 

Laughter is one of the best antidotes for anxiety, sorrow, loneliness, or frustration. People who

find the humor in life are more resilient to disappointments. They dont laugh inappropriatelyor use humor to mock, but they do maintain perspective that keeps them aware. 

Keepers dont use laughter to cover when theyre feeling uncomfortable. They have learned the

value of timing and a compassionate heart, and can process sorrow and joy with the same

gentle appreciation for life. They readily enjoy others who can make them laugh, and help them

hold on to their sense of perspective when times are hard. They have a keen sense of 

perspective, and dont use humor to lighten up situations that need to stay serious. 

Example: 

He: Man, people are sometimes so stupid. Every time I tried to tell my boss what we needed todo to save the deal, I get undermined. Hes just like my old boss. I know hell pretend he didnt 

hear me and then steal the idea. What the hell am I supposed to do, just shut up and get used 

again? If this job didnt pay so well, Id be out of there. Doesnt anyone have integrity 

anymore?  

Keeper: (touching his face tenderly) I understand, but I hate to see you this heavy and down. I

know you work hard, but youre letting this guy steal your soul. Remember when we used to

make fun of hard situations? We could put anything in perspective, just because we knew how 

to laugh about things together.  

He (reflecting): How did I get this angry, honey? I dont want to go around feeling this way.Maybe too many disappointments in people. I dont know what to do.  

Keeper: (Caressing him) Well, you could get me pregnant.  

He: (laughing) Now, that suggestion definitely changes the equation.  

Trait Five Keepers know how to stay even 

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Keepers have an internal resiliency and dont get out of control. You can always count on them

to stay centered, especially when they are challenged. They can take in criticism with the same

gracious evenness as compliments. They seem to have internal advocates who catch them

when they fall and support them when their confidence is low, and want to do that for others

whenever they can. 

They use challenges as opportunities to know themselves better, and to learn more about their

partners fears and insecurities. They feel grateful that they can find their footing more easily

than others, but they dont give up continuously learning how to do it better. 

They dont overly react when their partners are unstable. They can be caring but wont take

more challenge than they feel they deserve. 

Example: 

She: (angry and blaming; on output) Its been three weeks since youve even looked at me. You

take care of everyone else in the world but Im your lowest priority. I wait and wait so I wont 

bug you and seem needy, but Im getting really tired of feeling so damned unimportant. Cant 

you see how much Im hurting?  

Keeper: Hey, whats going on? Where is this all coming from? We were great this morning and 

I havent seen you all day.  

She: (heating up) Youre on that God damn phone all day. Youre sweet to every waitress that 

serves us, even if they arent doing a good job. You wont tell your mother to leave us alone on

the weekends. You dont remember the things I tell you that are important to me.  

Keeper: It feels like youre really on output. Im willing to listen and to take blame where its

due, but there seems to be a lot more going on here than youre talking about. Slow down and 

try to tell me where this all started.  

She (quieting down and starting to cry): I dont know. I just missed you today after we made

love. I guess I needed more of us and you disappeared, like always.  

Keeper: (takes her hand but stays centered) Im really sorry youre feeling so bad, honey. I did 

leave a little soon. I didnt want you to feel sad. I really thought we were okay. I wish youd told 

me you needed more. I cant take responsibility for the things I dont know but Ill sure try to

change the things that I can. Talk to me about what can I do for you now that might help?  

She: (Feeling hopeful) Just listening to me really makes a difference, especially when you are so

honest. It would really help if we could plan some longer time together soon.  

Keeper: Lets do it.  

Trait Six Keepers do not allow guilt to influence their decisions 

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When people feel embarrassed, shameful, or guilty, they feel like they havent measured up.

Small children learn from their caretakers when they are being good or bad. Even though those

criteria may be arbitrary, they are absorbed and form the basis for guilt in adulthood. 

Only through greater understanding do adults realize that guilt was used to control their

choices when they were young, and begin to set their own standards for personal integrity.Keepers do not control others by using guilt tactics, nor do they succumb to obligatory

obedience if others use guilt to control them. Their views of themself mostly depend on their

own integrity, not upon what others expect of them. They care about making others happy, but

do not act from fear of loss when they cannot. 

Example: 

He: You cant seem to get this straight. I told you for the fiftieth time that you cant open your 

mouth in front of my friends if you dont have anything worthwhile to say. Your dad says the

same thing about you when you were a kid. You always were out of line and continuously said 

things that made people uncomfortable. You should be able to keep that under control by now.What do I have to do, send you to your room?  

Keeper: (checking inward first to make sure she was okay) Youre talking to me now as if I was

that child and trying to use guilt to get me to do what you want. Im okay with who I am. No one

at that table seemed uncomfortable but you, so maybe its your own stuff. Bringing in my dads

childhood stories is hitting below the belt. I dont appreciate it.  

He: Okay, okay. Maybe Im being a little hard on you. Im really being critical and I shouldnt 

be. Maybe it is about me. Youre so damn comfortable telling complete strangers everything

about your life, and Im really uneasy if it includes me. I probably wouldnt be comfortable even

when it doesnt have anything to do with me. We never talked about this kind of stuff when Iwas a kid.  

Keeper: I dont want you to feel guilty for being mad. You have every right to want what you

want just as I do. Lets really talk this over and plan ahead better. I like being open and I dont 

really care what other people think. Im sensitive to how people are responding, honey. I dont 

want to embarrass you.  

Trait Seven Keepers store the good times 

Life can be hard at times for everyone, and tragedies can erode a persons capacity to endure

grief without resentment or bitterness. Keepers like knowing they can fall back on greatmemories in order survive and thrive when times are hard. They realize that remembering

those experiences in the midst of trauma can be hard and that practice makes it easier.  

When life is less stressful, Keepers look for and store the good times so they can draw upon

them later. They make a point to treasure the simplest things and to turn every possible

situation into one of joy, mischief, or adventure. They are not irreverent about sorrow or

tragedy, but balance difficult moments with joyous recollections. 

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Example: 

She: This has been a horrible month. Nothing has turned out right and I cant see anything in

the future that can make up for it. Im so incredibly depressed. We desperately need a break,

some kind of silver lining in this mess.  

Keeper: I agree completely, but we have to remember that it hasnt always been this way. We

have lots of reasons to believe that theyll get better and weve got to keep those in mind when

things are tough.  

She: (torn but touched) I know youre right. But its really hard for me to remember and to have

 faith that well be okay.  

Keeper: I know, sweetheart. But I know how down you can get if you keep thinking the way you

are.  

She: Arent you worried? What do you do with your fears?  

Keeper: Im not always okay, either. You know how tough things were for my family when my 

dad died. There were a lot of times when my mom and sisters would just cry. I didnt know what 

to do for them. I was the smallest so I just would pretend that things were great and that we

had nothing to worry about. Id perform skits that would make them laugh. They would seem

better so I just got it into my head that pretending things would get better worked. And they 

did, eventually.  

She: (smiling in appreciation) I dont know whether its just a nice idea or the twinkle in your 

eyes, but it helps to remember. Weve had so much to be grateful for. Thanks honey.  

Trait Eight Keepers are authentic 

Keepers trust those who are honest and above-board. They feel responsible for what they say

or do. They just dont pretend to be someone they are not, or automatically agree with

something they that they dont. They want to be transparent because they dont play games or

want to participate in any. Theyd rather hear the truth from others, too, even if its

uncomfortable.  

Keepers choose partners who value them for their honesty. They dont take that right lightly,

nor do they use their authenticity to unnecessarily point out others faults. They do love and

care for how their partners feel about them. They dont go out of their way to cover their faults,

and deeply appreciate when others are honest with them. 

Example: 

He: (Teasing, but serious underneath) Okay, Ive been working out for two months and 

watching everything I put in my mouth. You have two choices. The first is to tell me I look better 

than when you married me ten years ago and reap the rewards of total devotion. The second is

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to say that you dont see any difference, and risk that I will go into a deep pout for the next 

several days and forget your birthday.  

Keeper: I dont like the odds. Way too risky. First of all, I love you with your belly relatively 

round. Yes, it is not particularly sexy to look like Buddha, but youre my Budha. Second, youve

only lost five pounds and it is noticeable but probably not neon-lighted yet. That doesnt meanIm not proud of you for your commitment and effort. Its great. Are there new muscles? Yeah, I

can definitely see them as they work their way to the surface. Now you have two choices: the

 first is to be hurt by what Ive said. The second is to tell me how much you value my total 

honesty so that when you start to look really good, youll know its true.  

He: (smiling) You are merciless, but thats why I trust you. I wouldnt have it any other way.

Youve always been in my corner, honey. Im not quitting  

Trait Nine - Keepers understand and accept their value in the marketplace 

Keepers have a realistic sense of their own value. They dont try to impress people who arentinterested in them, and they dont want others to go out of their way to win their favor. They

have strong values about what characteristics they believe are important, and are not tempted

away from them to be someone they couldnt respect. 

If they dont come out ahead in any contest, they dont complain or feel rejected because they

know its a waste of time. Theyll tell you that they are more interested in finding out what they

could have done better. If they want to belong to a specific group or relationship, they figure

out how they offer what is required, and then do their best to make it happen. If they dont

make the cut, they analyze what didnt work instead of blaming anyone, then either try again,

or find another relationship that does work. 

Example: 

She: Im so down. I do everything I can to make those people like me and they just keep

rejecting me. Im obsessing over not being good enough. I dont know what to do. I just dont 

seem to be able to let go.  

Keeper: Im really impressed by your perseverance. I could not handle that much rejection and 

come back. What are the criteria for getting into that group?  

She: (thoughtful). You know, Im not really sure Ive thought about it. I know they like people

who have great careers, and I do. They also seem to favor people who make a lot of money,which I dont. I think a bunch of them have been together since college, but not all of them, so

that doesnt apply. They do play a lot of tennis, which Im not great at.  

Keeper:  Sounds like having a lot of money is important to them. Do they travel a lot?  

She: You now, I think youre right. I love taking care of the kids I do, but Im not free to just get 

up and go whenever they can.  

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Keeper: Do you wish you could?  

She: Not if I had to give up what I love to do. Youre really helping me, Gus. I never equated my 

real values with how they live their lives. I think Im trying to get into the wrong group.  

Keeper: They have an absolute right to set the criteria for how they live their lives. Its a hard 

lesson, I know. I learned it a long time ago when I couldnt play varsity ball in high school. I just 

wasnt good enough. Now I coach basketball and Im really good at it. 

Trait Ten Keepers look for the value in others 

Keepers look for the true positive traits in others, and remember to let them know it. They keep

their important relationships up to date because they know that nothing in life is guaranteed.

They dont dwell on the possibility of loss, but intentionally focus on what they treasure in the

present. 

Keepers remember the important things you tell them, and, if necessary, act on them when

they get the chance. When they are with people, they focus on the situation at hand and pay

close attention to what is happening. Most people who know them feel special in the presence

of a Keeper, as though they were the only person who existed. 

Example: 

He: Have you got a few minutes?  

Keeper:  Sure. Whats up?  

He: I just got off the phone with my girlfriend, and she says she needs a break. I acted okay at 

the time and told her to do whatever she needed, but I think I need a drink or something. I know 

youre working on an important deal for work tomorrow, but I wondered if we could hang out 

 for a while.  

Keeper: Hey, Ive been there. Youre not the kind of guy who easily asks for help. My work can

get done later. Ill meet you at your apartment in half an hour.  

He: Youre sure its not going to mess you up?  

Keeper: No problem. Youre more important to me. Im good.  

Trait Eleven Keepers avoid useless energy drains 

Anxiety, unresolvable conflicts, outrage, powerlessness, negative conspiracies, and attachments

to unattainable outcomes: all are examples of behaviors that drain people without changing

anything. They make people less functional and less focused on making a difference. Keepers

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avoid such useless outpourings of resources. They would rather use that energy to solve

problems and create new possibilities. 

Keepers inspire others to focus on the possible. They dont put you down if you are drowning in

dysfunctional hopelessness. Instead, they will help you let go of energy drains and help you to

focus on what you like about yourself. They like working on a team to find the best solutions. 

Example: 

She: Ive got myself in a mess. I have to be three places at once and all of them are important. I

cant bear letting people down and Im overcommitted again. I know Im going to disappoint 

someone big time, and Im sure Im going to get blamed. Damn, why do I always try to do so

much?  

Keeper: Im really sorry, sweetheart. Ive seen you do this before. You want to make too many 

 people happy, but, since youve already committed, why not let go of it. Worrying wont make it 

better. Youre praying to the God of Mercy and you really havent done anything wrong except try too hard to do everything for everybody.  

She: I know youre right. I just need to get things in better priority. I always forget that I can

only do whats in front of me. You try to tell me to not try to second guess people or borrow 

trouble, and I really want to be more like that.  

Keeper: Do you want some help? We can sort this thing out together and I can take over some

of the other stuff.  

She: (smiling) I need to carry you around in my head before I get myself in trouble.  

Trait Twelve Keepers Know how to Self-Soothe 

Like anyone else, Keepers get hurt, frustrated, and upset, but, when times get tough, their first

response is to relax and self-soothe. They know that if theyre agitated, theyll just make more

errors. To keep from doing that, theyve learned how to take some deep breaths, go inward,

and remember what is important. If they get overstressed and respond negatively, they are

quick to regain their personal balance and correct the situation. 

Most Keepers will tell you that they werent always that way, but have practiced catching self-

destructive patterns before they are harder to solve. They much prefer friendlier and more

successful alternatives to arguing, defensiveness, or unproductive competition. 

Example: 

He: Youre so quiet, honey. Whats going on?  

Keeper: Ive had a really tough day. The kids have been energy vampires. The delivery people

didnt show. The people on the committee didnt do what they promised. I could go on, but it 

wouldnt help.  

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He: Do you need to get stuff off your chest?  

Keeper: Thanks, but not right now. You know me. I just need to be quiet for a while and sort 

things out. I dont like it when I get this aggravated because I distort input and react to all the

wrong things. Remember when I was so angry all the time after people disappointed me? It 

wasnt good for me, or for us. Just give me a little while and Ill be able to handle all this better.  

He: I appreciate you. Can I take the kids out for a while so you can do it without the chaos?  

Keeper: That would be a great help. I need to do some re-planning so these damned situations

dont get me going like this. Youre so great to care this much.  

Trait Thirteen Keepers seek continuous transformation 

Keepers are committed to learning from the past and projecting the future more effectively. To

do that, they willingly seek constant new ways of seeing their lives unfold. Their own search for

more effective ways of living is wonderfully contagious. They are most alive when seeking

treasures, solving puzzles, or attaining important goal. They learn from their mistakes and

believe in their dreams. 

Most people will choose security and predictability over challenge or change. Keepers

successfully blend the two. They cherish traditions but search always for better ways to help

themselves and others. This way of being makes them ever interesting and exciting to be

around. They dont wait for someone to inspire them; they generate excitement by who they

are. 

Example: 

She: Hi. Dinners almost ready. What are you carrying?  

Keeper:  A powered kaleidoscope. Turns by itself and projects its picture on the wall. Im tired of 

this gloomy weather, and figure itll give us great, ever-changing images without having to go

outside. I cant wait to try it.  

She: You are such a wonderful nut case. I never know what youre up to. Mostly, I love it, but 

those vegetarian chicken legs were a little, wellunusual.  

Keeper: Now, hold on. I still go to church every Sunday and play Scrabble. Im not totally 

weird.  

She: I wouldnt want you any other way. You do keep me surprised, though, and I sometimes

have a hard time explaining you to my friends. Ill never be able to predict you but life is so much

more interesting when youre around.  

Trait Fourteen Keepers take good care of themselves 

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Keepers do everything they can to stay mentally, physically and spiritually healthy. They not

only feel better, but can better face whatever comes their way. They hang out with people who

regenerate them, keep their minds active, and are deeply in love with the spiritual values that

sustain them through traumas. These are the partners you never have to remind to care for

themselves. They dont put that pressure on the people they love. 

These Keepers dont press their views on others, but stand as models for the people they

treasure. You can easily recognize them by the quickness to their step, their ready smiles, the

twinkle in their eyes, and their sense of personal serenity. They are in touch, in every way. 

Example: 

He: You know, honey, Ive always teased you about your commitments to working out and 

yoga gurus. Now that I look around, youre the most beautiful woman at every party we go to.

Youve had three kids and you look younger today than when I married you. I think Ive just been

 jealous of your discipline and the way you just take care of things.  

Keeper: I know that I take time out from you and the kids sometimes, but I want to be my best 

 for you guys and I know that Im better when I make sure Im okay. When your parents are

alcoholics, theres not much discipline or good food around. I just never wanted to be like them.

Its not easy, though. I have to re-commit every day, even when I feel discouraged.  

He: I may complain sometimes, but I appreciate you. I think Im jealous sometimes, too. I know 

I should care about myself better, even if its just for you and the kids. I wish youd push me

harder.  

Keeper: I dont want to push you to do something you dont want to do. I know how hard you

work and how difficult it is to do what you do. I would love it if you took better care of yourself,but I also know thats your decision. I could tease you because I can run farther than you can.

Would that help?  

He: Now youre getting serious. Do I have to meditate, too?  

Keeper: (smiling) Only if you want to keep up. I can always push you around in your wheel chair 

come day.  

He: Okay, thats it. Youre disgustingly perfect, and effectively manipulative. Im on board.  

Trait Fifteen Keepers treasure the present moment 

Keepers plan for the future and learn from the past, but they are most invigorated by whatever

is happening in the present moment. By living more fully in the only real time that exists for

them, they are able to leave heartbreaks in the past, and use the future for possibilities. 

When youre with a person who treasures the immediate moment, you will feel deeply

attended to. If you are in distress, those people notice immediately, stop whatever their doing,

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and ask you if youre okay, no matter what was going on before. If you smile, they will want to

know what is making you feel that way. If you cant find the words to express what youre

feeling, they reach out to meet you wherever you are. When these Keepers are with you, they

are only with you. 

Example: 

She: I just cant seem to let go of my past mistakes. I feel so responsible for the damage Ive

caused. I try to forget them, but my mind just wont let go. I keep thinking that something

terrible is going to happen and Im at fault. The saner part of me keeps fighting back and saying

it wasnt that bad, but it doesnt seem to hold.  

Keeper: You are really being hard on yourself right now. I can feel your tears coming.  

She: (Begins to cry) I know youre right, but I just cant seem to stop. Maybe it was all that 

criticism I took in as a kid. I could never do anything right.  

Keeper: (Takes her hand) Youre so sad. What is at the core of your sorrow?  

She: Im afraid that if I keep messing up, Ill never deserve to be really loved.  

Keeper: Honey, look at me. I love you, now, in the present. It doesnt matter what you ever did 

in the past. I know what a wonderful person you are. Do you believe me?  

She: (Looks into his eyes, wanting to believe him) Yes.  

Keeper: Always remember. We only have this moment and, for us, that is what matters.