Relationships are how we relate with others, it is how humans connect or behave towards each other. Any relationship; be it with your child, friend, spouse or co-worker, takes effort in order for both parties to find it fulfilling. One of the most profound experiences we can have in our lives is the connection we have with other human beings. Positive and supportive relationships will help us to feel healthier, happier, and more satisfied with our lives, according to writer Liggy Webb. She notes that one of the biggest challenges we experience in relationships is that we are all different. We can perceive the world in many ways. Certainly a stumbling block that we come across when we try to build relationships is a desire or an expectation that people will think like we do and, in this way, it is so much easier to create a rapport. Lynette Mbabazi, a high school graduate, believes that having empathy is key when connecting with others. She says, endeavouring to understand and value other people’s feelings, sharing their happiness and grief enables one to not only connect but also be supportive of the people in their lives. “This is what people want. They want a person who can be there for them without necessarily judging their choices or actions, or worse, trying to fix them or their situation. It is this respect and maturity that helps develop mutual trust,” she says. Albert Nyandwi, a father of two, says building healthy relationships requires to consider love and respect a priority and that this goes for all sorts of relationships. He shares that with his children, he treats them like he would grownups noting that children too understand when you respect and value their presence in your life. “I give them enough time because I understand how much value it is for them and to me as well. Time is a precious gift that we can give to our loved ones and this is so relevant in terms of nurturing beautiful relationships,” he says. Being present in the time you give to people is also important, so that, when you are with someone, you are truly with someone and not dwelling in the past or worrying about the future. The connection we make with other people is the very touchstone of our existence, and devoting time, energy, and effort to developing and building relationships is one of the most valuable life skills, according to Webb. She also adds that developing your communication skills is just as important. Communication occurs when someone understands you, not just when you speak. One of the biggest dangers with communication is that we can work on the assumption that the other person has understood the message we are trying to get across. “Poor communication in the workplace can lead to a culture of back stabbing and blame, which, in turn, can affect our stress levels, especially when we don’t understand something or feel we have been misled. It also can have a positive effect on morale when it works well and motivates individuals to want to come into work and do a great job,” Webb writes.
