Relationships

Interpersonal relationships define us. When we are fortunate enough to experience a loving relationship, we achieve positive characteristics such as security and confidence. Conversely, when we experience negative relationships, we become withdrawn, guarded, and wary of engaging in future relationships. However, it is this wariness that causes us to examine our contribution to the relationship to make the next one, or current one, more successful. In essence, it is not just the good or bad relationships that make us who we are, but also what we learn about ourselves from them.

Relationships take a great deal of work to be successful, and there are no guarantees that they will be. In his film, Leo Buscaglia, discusses the importance of relationships. Since every individual is unique, it takes continued effort from both parties to effectively understand each other. It is, after all, as Leo said, “There is no right person; we become the right person”. He also suggests that vulnerability is equally as important as understanding the other person. It is the “art of letting things happen” – we, as individuals, need to be open to being hurt - because the future is unpredictable, but be entitled to the joys as well.

Paul Simon once wrote a song entitled “I am a Rock”, in which he concludes his song by saying “I am A Rock, I am and island. And a rock feels no pain; And an island never cries.” This communicates that interpersonal bonds, or relationsh...