Gloria Rodriguez: Emotional Intelligence and Active Communication Are the Key to Healthy Relationships

Gloria Rodriguez is a skilled professional who has been vital to AVANCE for twenty years. Her vast experience has consistently played a crucial role in the organization’s success by facilitating the Hispanic-initiativeof theHealthy Relationships program.

 

“I used to accompany my husband while he was a facilitator for the Healthy Marriages programfor AVANCE-Houstonand I fell in love with it.The dynamics and the conversations enriched the lives of those who attended the workshop.After severalyears, I decided to join himas a facilitator, and we worked together –until he retired–three years ago.

 

Due to her previous experience as an expert in Public Relations, Gloria found it was a natural call for her to work directly with people here at AVANCE-Houston.

 

Over the years, Gloria has seen how the program has changed, becomingmore diverse, now accepting not only single people but also same-sex couples.

 

Always attentive to the participant’s needs, the program has implemented technological advances to reach more families and has adjusted to the evolving dynamics of our communities. For instance, it has shifted from in-person classes to virtual ones, expanded the definition of healthy relationships beyond just couples to include singles, and become more inclusive of same-sex couples.

 

Having worked for AVANCE for many years, she has many memories of all the program participants she has served.In particular, she remembers a couple who took the Healthy Relationships programin 2003. During their first class, they sat in opposite corners of the room –this was their last attempt to fix things before getting a divorce. Throughout the sessions, they learned about conflict resolution, communication, self-care, and family dynamics, among other topics.Fast forward to this day: They are still together, empty nesters, and their marriage is strong.

 

Gloria recognizes that the most significant issue couples and people face in their daily lives is communication, and as an expert facilitator,she provides advice and resources that help many AVANCE participants successfully implement strategies to build or enhance their relationships.Gloria believes that when a pleasant affective climate is created through empathy, we can use active communication to reach solutions and agreements.

“People express themselves differently and sometimes struggle to find the right words. That’s a big issue when you are in a relationship. When in love, we tend to idealize the other person and don’t see the full picture,” Gloria said, referring to the fact that not everything will be “perfect” all the time. Beyond the feeling of love, is important to acknowledge that the other person also comes with emotional baggage, their own concepts about how things should be, their own beliefs system, family dynamics and fears, among other things.

 

“When there is a conflict between two people –either a couple, friends, coworkers, or family–, there is a chance if we are willing to solve the situation. Communicating without blaming the other and learning to listen, to understand their body language, and how they express themselves.

 

“Ultimately, by expressing feelings in an honest, affectionate,and respectful manner, relationships are strengthened.”