Relationship Writing Prompts

Rupi Kaur’s Relationships Writing Prompts — What do you need to forgive your caregivers or siblings for?

Absolutely nothing. In my early recovery, I made amends for what wrongs I did in our relationships, our relationships changed for me. I didn’t need to do anything more nor did I expect anything more. I learned I can love them and pray for them. It is a good feeling not to have any regrets.

Recognizing that as humans, we do the very best we can at the time has allowed me to accept that it was their best. Over time, it changes in often small ways and sometimes drastically, as it did for me because it had to. My children were the initial reason why I had to change.

Rupi Kaur’s Relationships Writing Prompts — In friendships, I show gratitude by ___________________.

Showing gratitude can look very different. With my friends, it may be a phone call or a visit for all the times they have done the same for me. I can buy lunch. I can give the name of a great book I am reading or a movie I just saw. We can talk about the old days. Laughter is the best gift for me.

Sometimes it is a reminder to “Don’t forget to do your self-care!” And we may talk about what that is for me and them. Getting together to sew, paint or create jewelry, or other art projects. Picking medicines, cooking together. Helping out with fundraisers together. Giving back. A hug.

Rupi Kaur’s Relationships Writing Prompts — What family values or ideologies do you agree and disagree with?

Disagree with: High glucose/fructose diet, which includes alcohol.

Agree with: The seven grandfathers come from my Anishinabe culture and my Ojibwe language.

The Story of the Seven Grandfathers:

“The Creator gave spirits known as the Seven Grandfathers the responsibility to watch over the Anishinaabe people. The Grandfathers sent a Messenger down to earth to find someone to communicate Anishinaabe values. After searching in all directions, the Messenger found a baby. The Seven Grandfathers instructed the Messenger to take the baby around the Earth for seven years to learn the Anishinaabe way of life. After their return, the Grandfathers gave the baby, now a young boy, seven teachings to share with the Anishinaabe people; love, respect, bravery, truth, honesty, humility, and wisdom. On the next page, it lists each teaching in Anishinaabemowin and the linguistic breakdown of each word.”

“Debwewin - To speak only to the extent, we have lived or experienced. Commonly referred to as Truth.

Deb = to a certain extent

We = sound through speech

Win = a way it is done

Truth is represented by the turtle as the turtle was here during the creation of Earth and carries the teachings of life on his back.

Dabasendiziwin - To think lower of oneself in relation to all that sustains us. Commonly referred to as Humility.

Dabas = low or lower

End = pertaining to thought

Izi = state or condition

Win = a way it is done

Humility is represented by the wolf. The wolf lives for his pack and the ultimate shame is to be an outcast.

Manaaji’idiwin - To go easy on one another and all of Creation. Commonly referred to as Respect.

Manaaji = to go easy on someone

Idi = in a reciprocal way

Win = a way it is done

Respect is represented by the buffalo. The buffalo gives every part of his being to sustain the human way of living. The buffalo respects the balance and needs of others.

Zaagi’idiwin - Unconditional love between one another including all of Creation, humans and non-humans. Commonly referred to as Love.

Zaag = to emerge, come out or flow out

Idi = in a reciprocal way

Win = a way it is done

The eagle represents love because he has the strength to carry all of the teachings.

Gwayakwaadiziwin - To live correctly and with virtue. Commonly referred to as Honesty.

Gwayak = correctly, straightly, and rightly

Aadizi = he/she lives

Win = a way it is done

Honesty is represented by either the raven or the sabe. They both understand who they are and how to walk in their life.

Zoongide’ewin - To live with a solid, strong heart. Commonly referred to as Bravery or Courage.

Zoongi = solid, strong

De’e = a form of heart

Win = a way it is done

Bravery is represented by the bear. The mother bear has the courage and strength to face her fears and challenges while protecting her young. To face life with courage is bravery.

Nibwaakaawin - To live with vision. Commonly referred to as Wisdom.

Ni = the soul within

Waa = pertaining to sight

Kaa = an abundance

Win = a way it is done

The beaver represents wisdom because he uses his natural gift by altering the environment for his family’s survival.”

Copyright © 2024 Seven Generations Education Institute. Author’s Note: Because I couldn’t say it better.

Rupi Kaur’s Relationships Writing Prompts — How do you want to receive and give love in a romantic relationship?

Often times it is the little things. Bringing home a small container of caramel corn for him when he is having regular popcorn most days. Not bringing something home every time, because it is done with love, not because it’s groceries.

Making small gifts for him. Holding his hand as he drives and his hand is sitting off the steering wheel. A compliment when he makes an effort to look good. To brag about him with others when he is there. My enjoyment when watching him with our grandchildren and laughing with him.

For me, it is when he looks at me, I can feel the love. We laugh together every day. His laughing with me more when he knows I may be grieving. And sitting with me when I am crying when needed. His crying with me is love. A hug.

His cooking my favorite of his is egg and cheese sandwiches on occasion just for me. The care he takes of my car, our yard, and how he gets the mail, recycles, and handles the things that I believe are important. He opens jars that I can’t budge. All the little things are so big at the time and he knows it.

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Published first by Mercury Press on medium.com