Relationships

What is a relationship? How do you define a relationship?

-connection: a significant connection or similarity between two or more things, or the state of being related to something else

-behavior or feelings toward somebody else: the connection between two or more people or groups and their involvement with one another, especially as regards the way they behave toward and feel about one another

-friendship: an emotionally close friendship, especially one involving sexual activity

Do any of these definitions ring a bell? You probably have more "relationships" than you know. Relationships, it doesn't matter if they are romantic or platonic, requires an effort & some work. Are you willing?

Relationships require energy & time. They require thoughts & actions. They need to be nurtured & cherished.

You cannot honestly be in a relationship if you are not giving of yourself unto the other person. You have to give a little, take a little, and compromise the rest. There will be bad days. There will be plenty of good days.

Some of my best relationships are friendships. I love my friends. I love the fact that we all understand the concept of giving and receiving. I enjoy their company & I cherish the advice & love I receive from them. And to be a good friend I do all the same things for them that they do for me. I love each of them unconditionally.

Most of us have had romantic relationships. Boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives, etc… And the main thing you should have learned from those relationships is that they require a little more effort than platonic relationships. But why is that so? I believe it's because with romantic relationships we are trying to join our lives, we are trying to see if the other person is a soul mate. With platonic relationships we trust our friend to love us regardless, YET with romantic relationships you really have to build your trust, your communication channels, you can to build a foundation in which that relationship is to thrive upon. In my lifetime I've learned that romantic relationships require all or nothing. You have to go into relationship with your eyes open & with clear understanding. I'm now learning that for a romantic relationship to evolve into a long term partnership there's a lot of giving & discovering of you. There's a tremendous amount of communication. There has to be some common interests something beyond I love you. There has to be more than a like & lust. There has to definitely be some GOD for it to survive. And there has to be an understanding that this is what you both want & you both are committed to make it work.

At what point do you yourself decide to be a good friend? To decide to have good relationships. How do you have a healthy relationship?

Healthy relationships are those that are mutually beneficial. These relationships do not cause long-term suffering. These relationships are happy & stable. These relationships communicate more & effectively. These relationships are willing to endure hard times & suffer through the storm, YET come out stronger than before. How do you enjoy a healthy relationship? You do this through prayer, through communication, through understanding & commitment. You have to be willing to always be honest with your partner & always make time for your partner. Check any long standing relationship & they will give you similar answers.

 
What have you learned? Please Leave a comment & I promise to respond.