Building Better Relationships

For a better work-life balance

Photo by Ball Park Brand on Unsplash

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear or see the word “relationship?” Is it romance, friendship, work, or all of these? Times have changed, and how howe share and consume information has evolved. In this light, Human interaction has also changed.

We can now build relationships over the internet through social media apps, gaming networks, and Web3 communities. However, there’s always a wrong side to every good story. Many relationships today are more transactional than meaningful, heartfelt connections to improve human interaction.

Life is not all about ‘making it’ or achieving career milestones. As my new friend Sel would say, the system is soul-destroying for people with depth. I agree. Most relationships these days are more of passing connections that seek short-term benefits from each other. There are fewer connections with depth, and the fact that people still have an emotional stigma in 2023 is appalling.

As technology and innovation thrive, we should seek better human connections with genuine bonding over shared interests, similar purposes, and other mediums.

My friend Siri made a tweet the other day and asked, ‘What does community mean to you?’ and the replies had me thinking. Many people know better relationships will mean improved social well-being, so why are many relationships trivial these days?

Siri’s Tweet

I feel for us to have more meaningful relationships, we need to ask ourselves some questions.

• Why do you seek this relationship?

• What do you have to offer the relationship?

• How much effort and time are you willing to invest in the relationship?

• If the relationship ends for any reason, can it change who you are?

• Can your values remain intact if the relationship doesn’t favor you anymore?

Asking yourself these questions will give you an insight into the kind of relationships you want and those you need. There’s a clear difference. I won’t be friends with someone because it’s popular to do so or because we have a mutual friend.

Let’s not forget relationships span across friendships, acquaintances, colleagues, family, and communities. Building better relationships doesn’t necessarily mean deeper relationships. You can’t be friends with everyone. I don’t recommend it. Know your position in each person’s life and act accordingly.

Photo by Nicole Herrero on Unsplash

The essence of a healthy relationship is to have improved positive mental health with less stress and overall peaceful living. There are ways we can improve our relationships and have better connections with each other. Here are some I feel will help:

• Be true to yourself and others. Good relationships are made by real people, not people pretending to be what they’re not. it is easier to be yourself than fake to please other people.

• Communicate. Speak up. If something doesn’t sit well with you, let it be known so those involved can make the necessary adjustments.

• Be realistic with expectations. You cannot expect an acquaintance to behave as a friend and vice versa. Improved relationships know not to try to change the other person but to accept them for who they are.

• Set and respect boundaries. Every healthy relationship has boundaries, and all parties involved need to ensure they maintain and respect those boundaries.

• Be dependable. It breeds trust in relationships. If you have a responsibility, own it.

• Think before you react. Relationships are not without conflict. Sometimes, these misunderstandings strengthen the relationship. Own your mistake, and learn to apologize. Not all disputes are easily resolved. Some take time. You have relationships with people of different backgrounds, beliefs, values, and personalities will not always align. Don’t be too quick to burn bridges. Review the situation and act with wisdom.

• Learn to think for yourself. Don’t join the bandwagon. Not every mutual friend must be your friend.

• Respect yourself. I feel this may be the most important one. If everyone respects themselves, we will have less chaotic relationships with one another.

Better relationships mean better mental health and smoother work-life balance. I am looking forward to discussing this conversation in-depth with you and hearing your feedback on Friday.

Enjoy the rest of your week. I am still recovering. I’ll accept hugs and ginger tea.

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