Relationships can be positive or negative. Varied perceptions define the nature of relationships as positive or negative. The effects of positive and negative relationships have lasting consequences on individuals; having both a positive and negative aspect in each relationship assists humankind but negative relationships is the build up of decisions and actions that have negative impacts. Loyalty is one of the fundamental traits that are present in a positive relationship. However, little loyalty can lead to deterioration in a person’s quality of life, happiness and connection with the people involved in that relationship. The relationships in ‘Little Women’ by Louisa May Alcott and ‘Cats in the Cradle’ by Harry Chapin shows many different views of positive and negative relationships. Positive and negative relationships are defined by varied perceptions of the characters.
Having both a positive and negative aspect in each relationship assists humankind to develop, learn, be happy and survive. Positive relationships are evident in ‘Little Women’ by Louisa May Alcott as well as negative relationships throughout the March family – this shows that they are not a perfect family and even though Little Women is set in the 1860’s, families today can relate to the relationship shown between the March family, especially the relationship Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth have with each other. They fight, love, care and help each other and through tough times, they always forgive each other. Here is a quote from ‘Little Women’ by Louisa May Alcott, “My dear, don’t let the sun go down upon your anger; forgive each other, help each other, and begin again to-morrow.” – Marmee to Jo, Chapter 8, Page 76. This quote shows endearment, “My dear,” demonstrates the positive relationship that Mrs March has with Jo and the love that they share for each other. This quote simply implies that we should not let our fury or hatred live on even