Jalen Boyd 1st Blog Post Aspects of a Prisoner's Happiness: Relationships Outside of Prison

The average person will believe that a prisoner is dangerous, emotionless, or cynical or perhaps even a combination of all three. They might believe that a prisoner is unable to find happiness while serving their time. However, with a little TLC from a loved one outside of prison, a prisoner could pass as a civilized human being. When someone gets incarcerated, they are sure to lose any or all contact with the outside world. All of the friends they thought had their backs will fall to the wayside.  Unless they had a strong relationship with their siblings, they will go next. If they were in a relationship, it will be a true test for the relationship. In the end, their parents will most likely be the only ones still by their side.

These facts become devastating when considering the prisoner's happiness which is why it is important for a prisoner to maintain relationships outside of prison in order to make every day worthwhile. The average inmate will be able to make 3 phone calls a day and up to 5 phone calls on the weekend. Each inmate should truly utilize this privilege and bond with their loved ones as much as they can. The numerous conversations could be about the inmate’s adjustment to prison, how they are getting along with other inmates, the likes, dislikes, and contempt they hold for the prison system. The topics are endless and as free civilians, we should allow our imprisoned loved ones to express themselves so they can receive peace of mind. Sometimes the inmate just wants to hear our voices so they can picture the thought of us together again. Other times the inmate just wants to know what we are doing in our day to day lives and that gives them joy.

When we communicate with our imprisoned loved one, we find out about the concept of visitation. The physical contact in which we give them promotes happiness in the highest degree. When we are able to sit down and chat with them as if nothing had changed. We take the act of seeing and touching our loved ones for granted before it is violently taken away. Making and spending the time to visit our imprisoned loved one is an important role we must play when considering how much happier it will make them when we make the effort for them.

Addresses stem from these phone calls that the inmate can write down so they write letters in which expands their feelings more than a limited 30 minute phone call expresses. These letters help the inmates articulate their feelings and allows them to access different emotions they did not know they possessed. The exchange of letters between us and our imprisoned loved ones strengthens the bond of the relationship and gives us a deeper understanding of what they are dealing with in prison.

The articulation that stems from these letters describes the creativity aspect of a prisoner’s happiness that I will be discussing in my next post!