Relationships are the Fabric of my Life

Like everything else, relationships take time and effort. And we all agree—they’re beautiful when they work. So, how can we make them work?

I was talking to a friend who’s a psychotherapist, and she was struggling with her own relationship. It made me wonder: how does a math teacher not know math? Or a physical trainer end up out of shape? Or a cardiologist suffer a massive heart attack?

Being relational is a gift—it’s as vital as freedom and health. But the problem is, relationships are like bank accounts. Most people want to withdraw more than they deposit.

If we all started depositing into this “relationship account,” we’d receive so much more in return. So why do we give less and expect more? Maybe we think it’s a zero-sum game. Or maybe we’re lazy, needy, greedy, or just selfish.

How do we break out of that mold? The only way is to focus—on fewer relationships we can actually nurture, manage, and invest in. Keep a short list of friends and family, and build with communication, care, compassion, and fun.

Some relationships have disappointed me, and I know I’ve disappointed others too.

Now, I’ve decided: relationships, to me, are like a bank account. Or going to the gym. Or tending a garden. I’ll invest—and see what grows.