by Catherine Hawke
Society is endlessly interested in prison culture, so millions watch shows like: prison wives and orange is the new black. Life in prison is a mystery to many, and what makes me want to peer into this unknown world, reflect on the darker side of my personality, and consider how I deal with the deprivations of life in prison? It’s human nature.
Prison is no entertainment. There are actually people trying to maintain relationships beyond prison walls. And while women are often judged and disrespected for standing next to men in prison, partnerships to survive can benefit enormously from the effort and sheer determination that goes into keeping them. Masu.
Here are six relationship traits prison wives have that you probably don’t have.
1. Patience
Women who have partners in prison have some knowledge of patience. She waits patiently until her partner’s prison term is over, and after his release she must deal with a new set of challenges.
Resuming relationships and dealing with inevitable adjustments often requires more patience than waiting for a prison term to end. But learning how to face challenges with determination will pay off tenfold when it’s time to enjoy your hard-earned relationship.
2. Loyalty
A prison wife or lover’s loyalty is constantly tested. Finding ways to be patient with her partner isn’t the only challenge she faces. She has to endure criticism from her friends and her family as well.
Loyalty is a powerful aspect of any relationship. When you’ve had your worst moments in the past, you can take a step back and admire how strong your relationship is because of the loyalty you’ve given.
3. Forgiveness
It’s tempting to hold grudges when you’re hurt, but that only makes you miserable. Storing up that negative feeling can actually cause more pain than the initial hurt. Choosing to forgive can bring great relief.
Getting out of prison and starting a new relationship is a challenge that hurts self-esteem on both sides, but if you are willing to stay together, forgiveness can be a great healing.
4. Hope
Real-life prison wives have a rare ability to find hope when they feel hopeless. Whether it’s writing a letter every day, insisting on a phone call, or reminding your partner of the love that still exists, the hope women show is energizing and gives their relationship the optimism they need to overcome separation. Masu.
5. Motivation
Helping your partner stay hopeful is also important. When men are released from prison, they often lack self-confidence and have little to offer to others. But the prison wife said that even when her partner was at her worst moment, she learned to love and help her, helped her find a job, boosted her self-esteem, and gave her a “we’re good together” attitude. indicate.
6. Tenacity
Working hard in a relationship pays off, even if you make mistakes, and can lead to stronger and healthier partnerships. Women who have partners in prison show extreme tenacity by overcoming negative stigma and adapting to manage their lives independently while actively supporting their partners and making their relationships work.
There’s one final lesson we can learn from these real-life prison wives. One of the things I’ve seen of relationships that thrive in and after prison illustrates it best. Julissa Griffiths was engaged to her boyfriend Jamel Greene when he was incarcerated. Rather than sever her relationship, she has responded to this difficult time by motivating and supporting herself and her fiancée.
“Even without him, I continued to grow and thrive in life and in my career,” Julissa says. “I did it so that he knew he could do it.”
Following your own ambitions can have a wonderful impact on your partnerships. It’s the final key ingredient in the winning combination of forgiveness, effort, and hope that protects your relationship during any tough times.
Catherine Hawke Entrepreneur, author and speaker.