Expectations in Relationships . the Female Perspective

Expectations in Relationships – the Female Perspective

By the time women are on my doorstep, it's with a man who they have decided to spend the rest of their lives with as their husband and they have come to arrange their wedding ceremony. But why – the odds are not great!

While in 2009 there were 120,118 marriages registered in Australia, the highest level of marriages on record, there were 49,448 divorces. Those couples who divorce are on average together for around only 8 years until separation and 12 years till divorce; at this point the casualty list has grown way beyond the couple to children, extended family and pets.

The wedding itself is often an 'event" that is peppered with challenging family dynamics, expense and logistics equal to a project, which if in the workplace would be led by an expert with experience, a reference group and a large budget!

Do the stereotypical images instilled in girls from a young age prevail? We all know those images of white dresses, princes and fairytale endings where 'happy ever after" is the only ending. Many of us grew up with dolls dressed as brides and had a 'wedding dress" in the dress up box.

Whilst not readily admitted by many females, the drive to compete with others of the same sex is powerful and linked to other strong emotions such as envy and ingrained patterns of learned competitive behaviour. So, is it the powerful drive to compete with other females and have one day, planned to the final detail that wins out? Whilst overwhelming for some brides, it is possible that for others, the opportunity to engage in some serious planning and organising helps to maintain an illusion of control over her life and becomes the most important factor, overshadowing the relationship that needs to be nurtured post the big day.

Some of the women I work with have generously shared what they are hoping for from their relationship after the honeymoon is over and others have shared how they are actively working on maintaining a balanced marriage.

Relationships are everywhere, so is a "married" relationship any different to what women expect from or contribute to in the workplace? And are the capabilities required to nurture a relationship that will sustain a long and happy marriage, similar to those needed in the workplace?

My session at the Brain Art Exhibition and Unconference on Saturday 10th March has something for everyone – statistics and facts, anecdotes and humour to explore this topic.

-Gail Eaton-Briggs - Marriage Celebrant

Besides celebrating weddings, Gail Eaton-Briggs is a General Manager with a training organisation and has held several senior management positions in Local Government, specifically in the human services areas and was a member and Chair of the Ministerial Child Care Advisory Council. Gail constantly reflects on her own performances and has mentored many people as they chase their own career dreams and aspirations.

It's All About My Brain
Australia's first Brain Art Exhibition and Unconference will take place in March 2011

From March 3 to 12, 2011, the intricacies of the mind will be unveiled to the public at Australia's first Brain Art Exhibition and Unconference in Sydney. Bringing together the communities of neuroscience, business and the arts, the inaugural event will be open to the public with the aim of increasing awareness about the brain and its applied learning in Australia.

The Unconference is a mixture of talks, group discussions and workshops focusing on the following topics: The Creative Brain; The Emotional Brain; The Working Brain; The Brain in Relationships.

World leaders in the fields of Neuroleadership and Emotional Intelligence will explore the relationship between the brain, creativity and business performance in sessions such as -Work, Sex and Relationships, to Mind Games and Strategic Thinking and Entrepreneurial Brain Power'.

Silvia Damiano, Unconference Director and Founder of About My Brain, explains her motivation behind the event:
'There are at least 30,000 neuroscientists around the world making new discoveries every day. Knowing how our brain works can help us understand how we solve problems, make decisions, think creatively, deal with change and manage our relationships."

Applying these findings in every day life and the workplace can help us increase our creativity, enhance our performance, think more laterally and generally be more effective in everything we do. In addition to increasing understanding of applying these leanings, the event is also a fabulous way of showcasing young and emerging creative talent in Sydney," she finished.

Highlights of the week-long event series include the Exhibition Launch Night, when attendees will get to know the finalists of the competitions and vote for the People's Choice Award; and the Fundraising Awards Night, when the judges will announce prizes for each category and a live auction of the featured artists work will take place.

Emerging artist and prolific painter, illustrator, installation and performance artist Julie Doyle's work has been featured in the promotional material for the event. During the exhibition, Julie will be painting live a set of canvasses that cover a four metre wall. Her work will be featured at the Fundraising Awards Night.

For more information about the Brain Art Exhibition, Unconference and Competition please visit www.brainartexhibition.com. Competition entries close January 22nd 2011.

Brain Art Exhibition and Unconference
March 3rd-12th, 2011
Global Gallery, Paddington, Sydney