Personal relationships are interesting in that you have to develop your own. No one can do it for you. This is true no matter how good the intentions of others are to act on your behalf. True relationship building must include the personal interaction of all those in the relationship. Often, work or career seems to become a living creature of its own and can infringe on time and resources intended for other more valued relationships. This is especially true in occupations involving extensive travel, or time away from home or your community of family and friends.
Professionally, good relationships are often enhanced by third party representation, through letters, preliminary biographies, gifts and products sent on behalf of someone else. In real life, you have to actually show up. Both quality and quantity of time are equally important. There is value in being present. Sometimes just your presence has a quiet background effect that simply tells someone that you’re there. You’re not invisible, or absent.
If a relationship is consistently negative and stressful, it might require additional time, less time or some other changes to make it work. Consider counseling. Counseling can be applied to all parties involved- or just for you, whether the others elect to participate or not. Occasionally, it is appropriate to exit a negative relationship for the short term or permanently.
Decide who is important to you. Be sure that these individuals are routinely included in your schedule in a good way. In a crisis, who are the people who will support you without fail? Who are the people you want to have good life-long relationships with? These are the people who deserve your personal time most.
Professionally, good relationships are often enhanced by third party representation, through letters, preliminary biographies, gifts and products sent on behalf of someone else. In real life, you have to actually show up. Both quality and quantity of time are equally important. There is value in being present. Sometimes just your presence has a quiet background effect that simply tells someone that you’re there. You’re not invisible, or absent.
If a relationship is consistently negative and stressful, it might require additional time, less time or some other changes to make it work. Consider counseling. Counseling can be applied to all parties involved- or just for you, whether the others elect to participate or not. Occasionally, it is appropriate to exit a negative relationship for the short term or permanently.
Decide who is important to you. Be sure that these individuals are routinely included in your schedule in a good way. In a crisis, who are the people who will support you without fail? Who are the people you want to have good life-long relationships with? These are the people who deserve your personal time most.
Things to think about...
What is one small thing that can further enhance an existing relationship?
What is one small thing that can further enhance an existing relationship?
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