Relationships are a beautiful part of life. Whether they are romantic or just friendly, connecting with another human being is undoubtedly one of the best experiences that life has to offer. Of course, within relationships, as with so many other things in life, change is inevitable. I doubt that there are very many of us, if any, that have maintained the exact same partner and/or core group of friends throughout the vast majority of our lives.
When evaluating the relationships in your life—whether it be family, friends, co-workers, or significant others—be mindful of those relationships that lift you up, and those which, sadly, drag you down. Here are four relationships worth keeping!
The “Balanced Give and Take” Relationship
The balance of give and take in a relationship is essential to its success or failure. If the giver feels depleted or used, the relationship degrades, resentments build, self-esteem is eroded and depression can sink in. The taker cannot fully respect the giver either, even though he or she will continue to take advantage of their partner. In a healthy relationship, both people give and take, enjoying giving to the other and being able to receive in return. If you have a relationship that is seriously skewed in one direction, realize that this is a relationship that is probably not worth keeping.
The “Easy Compromise” RelationshipEvery relationship requires compromise, which must be done with a sense of grace and without resentment. If you find yourselves arguing all the time, with one person unhappy and sulking after a compromise is made, each day with that person will feel more like an battle than a relationship. When both people realize that they enjoy having the other person in their lives more than the compromises they are making, a healthy and happy bond has occurred. You want to keep those relationships where the compromises seem insignificant compared to what each individual brings to the other’s life.
The “Challenge You to Grow” Relationship
Certain relationships will challenge you—your patience, your fears, your doubts and your comfort zone. Realize that defeating these challenges makes you stronger and helps you grow. If the person in your life sees that you are holding yourself back, and they challenge you to defeat your short-comings, that is a relationship to hang onto!
The “Bring Out the Best in You” Relationship
While some people make us feel less than, there will be other people in our lives who, just by being who they are, will bring out the best in us. These are the people who see your strengths and potential while accepting and forgiving your imperfections. These relationships challenge you to be the better person, and support you in your journey towards becoming that person.
I appreciate the emphasis on balance and compromise in relationships. It’s a realistic approach to maintaining healthy connections.
While the article is comprehensive, an exploration of how to transition out of unhealthy relationships could provide a more rounded perspective.
The idea that certain relationships bring out the best in us is an encouraging perspective. It highlights the positive impact of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals.
The article succinctly describes the importance of various relationship dynamics. It might be interesting to explore how these principles apply across different cultures.
The distinction made between different types of relationships is well articulated. However, the dynamics of each type could be examined in more depth.
The article provides a clear and insightful outline of relationships worth maintaining. Each type highlighted resonates with common experiences.
The focus on relationships that help personal growth is particularly valuable. It encourages a proactive stance towards self-improvement.
I agree. Relationships that challenge us can lead to significant personal development.
Indeed, growth-focused relationships provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and self-betterment.
The categorization of relationships into types such as ‘Balanced Give and Take’ and ‘Easy Compromise’ is logical. It’s a helpful framework for evaluating one’s own relationships.