Building and Keeping Relationships: Learning as We Grow

As we move through life, our relationships with family, friends, and colleagues change in deep ways. Reflecting on my own experiences, I've learned that relationships are not just about staying connected, they also teach us about growth and the challenges that come as we all change. 

How Relationships Change Over Time 

When we're younger, life is fast and full of change, which makes it easier to forgive and understand each other. We're often more forgiving because we are all trying to figure out life. This grace comes from the quick pace of life at this age, which keeps us in simpler versions of ourselves, just being friends or family without the big pressures of life. 

But as we grow older and face more of life's realities, we start to take things more personally. Sometimes, we might even pull away from the people we grew up with. This isn't usually because we want to, it's more about dealing with our own life pressures. Over time, as we get wiser, we realize that this pulling away is just a normal part of life. We learn that it's okay if we're not always in close contact; what matters is being there when it counts, without forcing it. 

Challenges in Talking and Connecting 

I often struggle with finding the right balance in how much I share and connect with people. I like to be open, sharing my own stories and challenges, hoping to make others feel less alone. While this openness can create strong bonds, it also brings challenges, especially at work where being too open isn't always suitable. 

At work, I've noticed that I sometimes try to make up for my own issues by being too lenient or nice, which can lead to avoiding necessary tough conversations. Although I mean well, this can backfire, affecting my business and how my team sees me. 

Showing Empathy While Staying Self-aware 

Being empathetic means trying to feel what others are feeling. While empathy is a good quality, it can be tricky. I often feel the need to share my own stories during conversations to show empathy, but this can sometimes turn the focus from them to me. I'm working on this, trying to make sure my empathy helps the conversation without taking over. 

Getting Better at Non-verbal Communication 

I'm also working on how I communicate without words. Making eye contact and nodding during conversations are simple ways to show I'm paying attention. These small actions show that I'm really listening, not just agreeing, and they help make the conversation better. 

Learning how to build and keep good relationships is a complex, ongoing process. It requires a mix of empathy, good communication, and self-awareness. By accepting the natural ups and downs of relationships, being careful with how we talk, and truly showing empathy, we can develop healthier, more supportive connections. This journey doesn't just improve our relationships; it also helps us grow as individuals and understand more about life around us.