The importance of relationships is essentially what makes us human and connects us to other human beings. It allows us to grow, love, respect and learn about life itself.
‘Relationships are imperative for many different reasons such as increasing our emotional well-being, creating stability, learning how to be a good friend or mate, having someone to count on and trust in times of need and someone to vent to when we face challenges, and friends and mates take away loneliness and make us feel included’ (Huffington post, 2017).
Healthy and meaningful relationships are essential for a happy life. Learning about relationships; not only how to develop a meaningful relationship but also how to maintain the relationship is necessary. A healthy relationship includes trust, emotional closeness, authenticity, boundaries, and respect. In order to keep relationships intact, you need to take stock every now and again of how your relationships are doing and if they need to be recharged. We can learn something from all our relationships and the most profound thing that we can have in our lives is our connection with other people. It is not always easy for everyone to be present and put in the work needed to make a relationship last because life does happen and we are only human and sometimes our cups are empty. It is important to remember then to apply self-care to be in a better place, to be the best you.
Some guidelines to help you navigate relationships:
- The first relationship you have is with yourself, make sure it’s a positive one.
- Celebrate differences and learn from each other.
- Listen to people and what they have to say, really listen to them.
- One of the greatest gifts you can give is your time, so be present without distractions.
- The importance of effective communication will affect the quality of your relationships. Better your skills if needed.
- Use technology wisely but also beware of how damaging it can be to relationships.
- Give opinions and celebrate accomplishments but also take it when it is given back.
- Be vulnerable and learn to trust, even if it is done with caution.
- Giving empathy and understanding each other are cornerstones to any relationship.
- Treat people as you would yourself or as you wish people treated you.
“The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” Theodore Roosevelt
written by Driana Zandberg, Social worker in private practice.