Better relationships

Without meaning to sound too much like a fortune cookie, it is certainly true that our relationships are what give colour and purpose to life in most cases. A moment is only ever improved by being able to share it with someone else, and most of us would rate having a range of close and deep relationships as being among the most important factors for creating a meaningful life. If you’ve ever known what it is to be truly lonely, then you’ll recognize the importance of these relationships no doubt. And if you want more proof that relationships are really where it’s all at, then try thinking back to the happiest and best memories of your life. Isn’t it the case that every single one of those involves other people? It is perhaps odd then, that relationships are something we never really learn all that much about. There is no lesson we study at school that is dedicated to relationships. And when it comes to reading self-help books or engaging in self-improvement generally, all the advice seems to be aimed squarely at building muscle, confidence, or success. Wouldn’t it make more sense for us to focus on developing the skills that fill life with meaning? And with happy memories that we will cherish for the rest of our lives? Perhaps the reason that we do not like talking about improving relationships is that we do not want to admit that we could use the help. We all like to think of ourselves as these outgoing, gregarious, confident people. Surely, learning how to make better friends is just for the socially inept? It does not have to be. Of course, you do not need to struggle at something to realize that you could be even better. In fact, it takes a certain maturity and insight to recognize this. You might be perfectly happy right now with a bunch of friends that you love and who you have shared many happy memories with. Maybe you have got a romantic partner who you are very close to and maybe you get on well with all your co-workers. But that does not mean things could not be better!