Time structuring theory

• Withdrawal means taking a break or distancing oneself from communication or relationships.
• It's important to take time to recharge and reflect.
• It can be a sign of needing space and boundaries.

Rituals can provide structure and comfort, and can help us connect with others on a deeper level.

However, they may lack emotional depth and can sometimes feel superficial, even when interacting with strangers.

We make polite and easy conversation and there are culturally agreed topics we can talk about, knowing we won’t get into hairy situations with our partners in the exchanges.

Both parties will avoid any controversial or painful topics.

Most people will get quite bored with it rather sooner than later.

It is time we spend doing things with others, rather than just being with them.

It's shared time, and may include having a lot of fun, but it may also mean we are avoiding really being with the other and meeting them fully.

Games are complex patterns of interactions where there is a hidden agenda and it can leave both parties with negative emotions.

Ultimately, games can be seen as a failed effort to connect with another person on a deeper level. With the nature of games being unclear and manipulative, it is important to be aware of these tendencies in relationships.

This is an authentic encounter with another, a moment of shared openness, trust and honesty.

Intimacy means emotionally intimate, not necessarily sexually intimate.

It also doesn’t necessarily mean nice and peaceful.

An intimate encounter may be an angry argument, but conducted from a place of respect and openness to one’s own feelings and those of the other(s).

We are allowing the other person to impact us and change us.