A “REAL” relationship is one built on a proper foundation and maintained through proper care. Relationships are anything but easy. In fact, they are the most complicated thing a person, particularly leaders, will deal with in life.
This month we are discussing REAL Relationships. If you did not receive my newsletter introducing this topic, please signup at the bottom of this article. I will personally forward you my May Newsletter along with a FREE Gift; “8 Tips to Serenity” ebook!
You may be the CEO with many different problems laid upon your desk each day. None of these business challenges will compare to the challenges presented in the many relationships you have.
Unlike other challenges, relationships are not logical and a logical, problem solving, approach will not do. People have choices that are influenced by many factors. Therefore, people do things (make choices) that seem very illogical. We all do this.
- People cannot be strong-armed into behaving a certain way.
- People cannot they simply turn off the influences that cause them to say and do things that are not in the best interest of their relationships.
- People cannot love others when they do not love themselves.
- People cannot give away what they do not have.
Relationships are complex and no two are alike! Share on X
REAL Relationships go beyond the surface. They are given the time and energy necessary to be healthy for both people. They are given the attention by each individual to look within themselves.
All of this is true and begins with the first and foremost relationship you must have; with God. Until this relationship (with God) goes beyond the surface, is given proper time, proper energy and proper attention – none of your other relationships will be abundant in depth, love and all the blessings that REAL relationships provide.
Relationships exist in various forms: intimate, acquaintance, friend, colleague, family, ….
Relationships progress through various levels: getting to know one another, building trust, making commitments, ongoing love and support. Each of these levels progress at their own pace and uniqueness.
Relationships bounce around these various levels when:
- trust is broken,
- perceptions are misguided,
- boundaries are established or removed,
- efforts to the relationship are not maintained,
- people are selfish…
Perhaps it’s worth repeating: “Relationships are complex and no two are alike!”
[stextbox id=”custom” bwidth=”3″ color=”FAFEFF” bcolor=”8C6727″ bgcolor=”50C7C3″ bgcolorto=”50C7C3″]”Imagine a person who lives well, treating others fairly, keeping good relationships….This person who lives upright and well shall live a full and true life.” ~ Ezekiel 18:5 (MSG)[/stextbox]
The bottom line of a REAL Relationship is one that seeks to love unconditionally.
Easy words to say, but not so easy to live out. I truly hope the articles throughout this series will help you have REAL Relationships.
Every person who follows along this month and fulfills 2
Life-giving: “Serenity in Action”
tasks will receive 2 FREE gifts at the end of this series:
1. Provide a comment after each of the 5 blog posts in this series (use this opportunity to get real with yourself and God!)
2. Share each of the 5 blog post links in this series off my Facebook page.
Why do these things?
Because relationships are a struggle for every person alive. Getting this information into the hands of as many people as possible provides many opportunities for relationships to be strengthened, repaired and/or formed. Let us help others as we help ourselves!
Come along this month as we look at REAL Relationships. Subscribe below to receive the entire blog post schedule!
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That is for sure, no two relationships are alike, they are complex!
Thanks for stopping by MaryLou!
I loved your encouragement to remember that it’s our relationship with our creator that must be working fluidly first!
Thank you Laura. Yes, our relationship with God is most important!
Such simple truths; and directly from the scriptures too. I am looking forward to the remainder of this series. “People cannot give away what they do not have” this reminds me of a time when my daughter asked my granddaughter Taylor to go give her papa some birthday lovin’. She replied, “I can’t, my love bucket is empty…..” so we loved on her. Children really do get it!
That’s a great story about your granddaughter, Julie. So many people believe that children don’t get it, but I’m with you. Children understand much, much more than they are given credit for.
Boundary issues have always been my problem. I am an all or nothing kind of person so I either come across as distant or needy. Balance is key.
Thanks Christina for your transparent sharing. I agree, “balance” is always important.