We don’t have to be in a partnership or marriage, to be in a ‘relationship’. In fact, we are always in relationship with others in everything that we do. Most people have a myriad of relationships as they move through the different stages of their lives – with parents, step parents, grandparents, close family members, siblings, baby sitters, friends, teachers, lovers, partners, work colleagues, shop keepers, service providers, etc., not to mention those relationships we have with our pets!
Both sides of the relationship come with a set of expectations, learned ideals and beliefs about what the relationship entails.
When we look around us, we see very few ‘relationships’ that are true. By ‘true’, we mean blossoming, with each party being full and vital and naturally themselves.
Is it worth considering that in many of our relationships both parties:
- Find themselves holding back and waiting to see what the other is going to bring, before measuring out what each will give to the relationship
- Hold themselves closed and somewhat distant until it is proven that it is safe to let down their guard
- Find themselves not opening up and letting the other see all that they are – their true essence.
It is great to stop and observe – what is it that we bring to our relationships? Is it fair to say that each person really does want to have a genuine relationship with others and to be seen for who they truly are?
We invite your comments to start this conversation on:
Making the most of our Relationships - Is there another way to be in relationships, which is respectful for self and others and which allows us to retain the essential ‘me’.
Let the conversation begin . . .