The Sunday Mail
Rutendo Gwatidzo
OFTEN times when we talk about relationships, many rush to think of boyfriend/girlfriend relationships as well as husband/wife relationships.
Thus, many tend to think of intimate relationships only, however, everything that we are and everything that we have is centred on relationships.
No single person can ever make it in life without another. We need to look out for one another regardless of the kind of relationship that exists. Come to think of it, when a child is born, he or she needs parents, siblings, grandparents and many other people to grow well.
The process of learning to walk, going to school, finding a job, finding a spouse, becoming a parent and facing that experience of raising a child, requires people through and through.
All these people required are part of the relationship puzzle. The puzzle carries with it relationships like that of a neighbour, teacher, church mate, bus driver, shop till operator, builder, just to randomly mention a few.
As you go to the supermarket every day to buy groceries, you deal with till operators, can you then say it is a relationship that does not matter to you.
The house you live in was constructed by a builder, whether you own it or not, can you then say that relationship does not matter to you? This simply shows that in one way or the other, everyone is important, though not directly, always.
The person who built a house you probably rent, contributed in giving you shelter. As such, the least you can do in a season that you are not working directly with a builder, respect them and appreciate what they do for the benefit of your whole clan and generations to come.
Life is like a circle where you find yourself dealing with people through and through. Is it then wise to say statements like “I don’t need anyone; I can do life alone.” Is that even true? Think about it!
Where in the world can we find a child that is born, grows up alone without a caregiver, a teacher to educate, friends and family to support, a sales person to sell food and clothing, a driver to transport from one place to another etc?
The list is endless. Basically no one can ever live such a life. Relationships are mostly found in these groups, family and friend’s relationships, romantic relationships and acquaintance relationships. The most neglected being the acquaintance relationships yet, it affects every other kind of relationship.
Imagine, a lady might get offended by a bus conductor and by the time she gets home her mood is bad and this can affect those at home. Can we then say we do not need to be intentional about handling such a relationship? We definitely need to be mindful about how we relate with one another in every sphere of our lives.
Every form of relationship is important; the only difference is that some relationships are more important at a particular season than others. If we all look at one another with mutual respect, we create a better world. Come to think of it, gardeners, maids, bus conductors, city cleaners etc. are equally human and they are important in that regard.
Remember, when they go back to their homes, someone else is seeing a father, a mother, a family member or a friend.
Here are some of the important things to consider in any kind of relationship, whether it’s a romantic, family, friend or acquaintance relationship, these things are important.
Clear communication, it is good to know than to assume.
Respect should be a two-way process.
Understand and respect one another’s boundaries
Empathy — put yourself in that person’s shoes to understand and respond accordingly.
Think about it. If we all become intentional about relationships, we create a better world. Begin from wherever you are today. Look around yourself, whom do you relate with and how do you relate. See things from a different perspective and begin to make a difference. Step by step begin to contribute in creating a better world.
Rutendo Gwatidzo is an author, HR consultant, team builder, transformational speaker and entrepreneur. Through Africanglow she does corporate wear and interior designs. She’s very vocal and relentless in inspiring hope to the underprivileged to rise from setbacks and continue moving forward through implying winning strategies.
