Those who fly solo often have the strongest wings – Unknown

I’ve always been enamored by this quote and to a very great extent it is true in terms of decisions and choices we make, the way we overcome a situation, and overall how we deal with the journey of life. However, we are not born alone, we live in a society, we live with other people like you and me and life teaches us that…

“Tough, you think you’ve got the stuff, You’re telling me and anyone, You’re hard enough,You don’t have to put up a fight,You don’t have to always be right, Let me take some of the punches,For you tonight, Listen to me now, I need to let you know,You don’t have to go it alone.”

Quoted from the U2 lyrics of ‘Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own‘

Relationships to me means someone with whom you can share your completeness, be it a friend, a life partner, sister, brother, mother or father. A relationship should be one that recognizes you for what you are, challenges you, and allows you to grow.

I enjoy meeting people from different walks of life, from different countries because it enriches and inspires me. Some of these acquaintances have changed my perspective on life, have helped me overcome inhibitions, apprehensions and if nothing else has helped me become aware of my own strengths and uniqueness.

What are the keys to any relationship:

1. Space – the little space we allow and create in each of our relationships, be it a friend, spouse, sister, brother or parents, keeps it healthy and allows the relationship to nurture and grow.

2. Giving – no relationship can be one way. Being human, relationships go through highs and lows.  Each of us are driven by sensitivity, feelings and emotions. It is important to ‘give’ in a relationship, but you also need to know when to walk away or pull back.

3. Forgiving – we do get hurt from some relationships and as hard as it may be, it is best to forgive for our own peace of mind. The burden of carrying that hurt and anger is so heavy that we forget to be compassionate to ourselves. Forgiveness is just saying “I’m not going to allow what you did to me to ruin my life and growth.”

4. Worthy – You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot in someone’s life. Just like you don’t like to be forced into making space for someone in your life, don’t force someone to do the same. You are worthy and if the other person knows your worth they will make sure they see you in their life.  I’m a firm believer of relationships which stands the test of time and distance and resulting from a genuine need and desire for togetherness rather than by imposition and demand for an everlasting bond.

5. You Matter –  we are courteous and polite to our office colleagues and strangers on the road, but forget to extend the same to people who have been with us through thick and thin. We forget to thank them, recognize their presence and very often take them for granted. Imagine the joy you would feel if people with whom you have stood by acknowledge to you “You Matter”. Never make people in your life feel unwanted. Life is short and never miss an opportunity to show your gratitude.

6. Cris-cross – not every person you meet may be your cup of tea. Some will use you, some will inspire you, some will test you and some will be with you for the long run. Let go of those who decide to walk away for your own peace.

7. Communication – honesty and open communication is something we often take for granted. We allow our egos and pride to come in between relationships. We build walls rather than bridges. We live once, there may never be a tomorrow. Why hold on to ego and pride? No matter what or who you are, your attitude is the most important to keep a relationship healthy.

8. Gender – more often than not, men respond differently than women in relationships be it as a friend or spouse. Most men prefer to be curt and may not engage in niceties. That does not necessarily mean they don’t care. However most women, no matter how hectic their schedule may be between work and home commitments, find time to inquire about the overall well-being of the other. Women more often than not tend to share every detail of their day with their partner or friend and many times probably expect the same from the opposite sex be it a life partner or friend. Sometimes, our need for excessive communication can be draining leading to fatigue in a relationship.

Life has taught me that we need to give space even to our closest relationships. Each of us, man or woman, have our roles to play in life and none of us can get extra clingy. We need to allow and create the vacuum to grow the relationship.

Bottom-line a relationship can grow if it allows self acceptance, encouragement, give and take, emotional support and there is respect for each other.