When I experience difficulties in relationships with those closest to me - my wife, children, or colleagues - sadness overwhelms me. The joy of life disappears.
Indeed, pride, ego, and fear of embarrassment often hinder the repair of relationships.
It's also true that we don't always have complete control over mending relationships. However, there's always a part that depends on me.
There's also a certain risk. There's a danger that my outstretched hand might not be met with understanding. It could be perceived as weakness and exploited.
At other times, I feel that showing someone they're wrong is an act of care for them or for an important cause. And this might come at the cost of good relations.
Perhaps the most crucial thing is to forgive our neighbor. "How many times should I forgive?" asks St. Peter in the Gospel. The worst thing that could await us at the moment of death is not so much unrepaired relationships, but unforgiveness.
I can relate to the part about an outstretched hand being perceived as weakness.
But I remind myself that it is strength — and that I should not judge my actions based on the reaction of others.
Person A could take your hand, whereas Person B declines it. Does that mean you were strong to Person A and weak to Person B? Surely not.
I also want to point out that good relations is not necessarily the aim - and maybe I didn’t word the article well enough. The aim is to die without leaving anything on the table — if you need to tell them a harsh truth, then you should do so.
Being liked should not be our goal.
Living authentically and honestly, should!
Thank you for the amazing comment — it had me really thinking. Thanks again.
Well said. And such an excellent prescription for a life well lived.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad you liked the message :)
It resonates, I can relate n I can die anytime too! 🙏😊
I'm glad it resonated Janet! Yes - as harsh as it sounds it's true. So we better live with no open loops :)
Sometimes, it only need to change our mindset n be the bigger person to reach out 1st. 🥰
At times, it was hard cos of the suffering the other person has inflicted on others. 🤷♀️
When we feel too much, it's usually the time we can't rationalise our thoughts, but that's also what makes us human!🙏😊
When I experience difficulties in relationships with those closest to me - my wife, children, or colleagues - sadness overwhelms me. The joy of life disappears.
Indeed, pride, ego, and fear of embarrassment often hinder the repair of relationships.
It's also true that we don't always have complete control over mending relationships. However, there's always a part that depends on me.
There's also a certain risk. There's a danger that my outstretched hand might not be met with understanding. It could be perceived as weakness and exploited.
At other times, I feel that showing someone they're wrong is an act of care for them or for an important cause. And this might come at the cost of good relations.
Perhaps the most crucial thing is to forgive our neighbor. "How many times should I forgive?" asks St. Peter in the Gospel. The worst thing that could await us at the moment of death is not so much unrepaired relationships, but unforgiveness.
I can relate to the part about an outstretched hand being perceived as weakness.
But I remind myself that it is strength — and that I should not judge my actions based on the reaction of others.
Person A could take your hand, whereas Person B declines it. Does that mean you were strong to Person A and weak to Person B? Surely not.
I also want to point out that good relations is not necessarily the aim - and maybe I didn’t word the article well enough. The aim is to die without leaving anything on the table — if you need to tell them a harsh truth, then you should do so.
Being liked should not be our goal.
Living authentically and honestly, should!
Thank you for the amazing comment — it had me really thinking. Thanks again.