Why Relationships Matter

We may not even realize it, but the quality of life we have is heavily anchored on the kind of relationships that we have with others.

Not only that, but studies also show that good relationships can improve health and increase longevity. 

On the flip side, those who have poor social relationships tend to fall into depression and have an increased risk of premature death.

Relationships matter

Why do relationships matter? We were not created to live alone. There are many things in life that we cannot go through on our own. 

Just imagine yourself experiencing a very traumatic incident. Wouldn’t you feel better being with people who can encourage you, or to simply be there listening to you, or hugging you?

When you are angry, you need to vent out, or else, you will become so bitter and resentful, you take it out on everyone, even on strangers.

When you are lonely, it would definitely help to have a shoulder to cry on.

But relationships are not only for the bad times. It also feels great to be sharing joyful moments with people you care about.

Just look at social media teeming with posts, videos, or photos of celebratory moments such as a baby’s first step, someone graduating with honors, landing a dream job, and so on.

We need to share our emotions, and the best outlet is to do so with people we have come to deeply connect with. 

Different types of relationships 

In life, we have distinct kinds of relationships. In fact, from the time we were born, we are automatically in one, whether we like it or not. And of course, you know what I am referring to – our family.

Technically, those born in one bloodline form a family. However, we know that there are other ways to be part of one, such as being adopted. It is in the family where we first experience having social relations. It is the biggest influencer of how we interact with others.

Friendship is the next type of relationship that we have. It often begins spontaneously. You interact with a lot of people, but there are those with whom you will instantly “click.” Think about the closest friends you have right now. Did you plan on entering into this friendship?

There are also various kinds of friendships. Some last longer than others. It is often because as we grow older, we part ways with people we meet along the way. And though we are able to keep some, most connections will not take root, and some will be lost. 

As we go on our life’s journey, we also develop professional relationships. It begins when we start working in organizations. These acquaintances may or may not develop into friendship since you may not even like some people you work with, but you nevertheless deal with them the most acceptable way.

There are many other types, but the last one that I would like to tackle is romantic relationships. We can simplify these by referring to them as love connections. Although if you come to think of it, love is actually not simple at all.

This kind of relationship is between two individuals and is often associated with deep emotions, passion, intimacy, and trust. These are couples, husbands and wives, lovebirds, etc.

Of course, there is also the value in building a good relationship with yourself, which comes first amongst all others. You cannot pour from an empty cup, as they say. Making time for self-care is of utmost importance.

How to nurture our relationships

Having the above relationships can help in your overall growth as a person. As we mentioned earlier, it supports you as you endeavor to live a long life. However, that will only happen if you have healthy attachments with people.

Even if you are in one relationship, but if it is full of negativity, that longevity would not take place. Relationships need to be nurtured in order for them to grow and flourish.

So, how do you do this? How exactly do you start building a good relationship with others?

Here are some suggestions:

Spend time

Time is very important in helping a relationship develop. If you want to establish a deeper connection with someone, you have to invest in moments with them. You have to be physically present, you must be truly there in someone’s life for you to create and keep a bond.

When you spend time with someone, you are making them feel special. All of us have the same number of hours in one day, and dedicating a fraction of that to another person means that you care enough for them to carve out time. 

All the other things that you can do in order to nurture your relationships will begin in spending time with these people. 

Communicate – talk and listen

Communication makes or breaks a relationship, no matter what type it is. Poor communication often leads to misunderstanding, which can result in more serious conflicts.

Communication is not just about being able to talk to each other, but most of all, to be able to listen to each other. It is not merely hearing words coming from the mouth but understanding what the real message is. 

You need to identify and respond not just to what you hear, but also with facial expressions, gestures, and body language. Learn to communicate properly, and find time to regularly do it.

Share experiences 

One of the best things that bind people together is shared relationships. Friends who go on an unforgettable experience together, a family enjoying vacations, a company holding team-building parties; these are just some things that can strengthen your connections.

Find time to have such moments together. Enjoy, laugh, weep together. 

Appreciate

A relationship where everyone feels appreciated will surely bloom. All of us want to be encouraged. We want to feel that we are contributing something to someone. Being appreciated makes us feel that we are valued, wanted, or needed.

Yes, we know that no person is perfect, and we will often find faults in people we are in a relationship with. However, we must aim to find ways to appreciate and motivate, rather than to criticize or judge.

Forgive

A relationship that does not practice forgiveness will soon wither. It is crucial that we learn how to forgive because it does not only erode our relationship with others, it also gives us so much stress that we slowly destroy ourselves.

It is not always easy to excuse others’ faults, but think about how your own mistakes have also been pardoned or overlooked in the past. You are not perfect, you have flaws. So, if you think the other party does not deserve forgiveness, so do you. 

Make it a habit to forgive. I guarantee you that your relationships will be stronger if you do.

Keeping healthy relationships

So, why do healthy relationships matter?

Life without someone to share it with is indeed one lonely life. One that is surely not worth living. Perhaps that is why healthy relationships are connected to a healthy and flourishing existence.

That is why it’s vital to nourish all the relationships that we have. It’s simple. Take it one day at a time, and always start with a smile.