Staff writer – Maureen Gordon
I have recently been working with a group on the subject of relationships and it has brought up lots of issues. I thought I would share some of my thoughts this week.
Do you remember a time when you thought the world revolved around you and you took ownership of everything and everybody? That’s my mummy, that’s my teddy, and you held on tight to what was yours. That is what is called egocentrism, which is thinking only of one‘s own interest and feelings. But as we grow up we begin to see people not as our possessions but individuals in their own right. At least that is how we should see them now we are grown up. Not as children but as builders of relationships, giving and taking.
What are we really like in relating to others, I believe an honest appraisal of our attributes positive and negative can help? Are there aspects of our character that needs to change? So that we can be more like the person we were created to be. Some people make an excuse; That is the way I am… I can’t change, but that is just an excuse, we can change if we want to.
If you want a friend show yourself to be friendly, some people want to make friends but they are not friendly people, they are in love with the idea of friendship but make little effort to be friendly.
What we are finding in the 21st century is that communicating face to face is becoming a lost art form. Sending emails and text and the social network gateways have become the norm. Important things are now said to others via these mediums. I know that people have ended their relationships by text or via Facebook. But I wonder is that really the way to communicate issues of the heart. I don’t believe it is. Why have we adopted this way of communicating is it because we have become more fearful of confronting people and saying what we really need to say.
In relating no one is powerless, we are all powerful but I believe it depends on how we use that power in our relationships.
It is good to encourage and support
Photo courtesy ahaparenting.com
It is bad, to manipulate and control
Developing and keeping relationships is a lifelong process, which involves work and commitment to that relationship it requires action and it involves work, you have to work to keep a relationship going. In our modern high tech world I think it is more important than ever that we do not lose sight of the importance of communicating with each other especially face to face and to make it a goal that if we have disagreements that we can work at restoring our relationships. I believe it will be worth it in the long run for our on-going emotional health and wellbeing.
