Importance of Nurturing Relationships in Life

Each and every one of us are connected in some way or the other. Usually a family comprises of parents and their children. They are either related as a husband-wife, father-child, mother-child or siblings. Likewise larger families (or) joint families have more relations like for example: uncle-niece or grandfather-grandson and so on.

Levels of Relationship

First Level

These relations are often termed as blood relatives which may also be termed as first level relations (where the bonding between any two or more entities is maximum).

In most likely cases it so happens that those family members and relatives who share the same roof are more closely associated with each other. As they not only are aware of each other’s entire daily routine but are also aware of each other’s likes and dislikes, behaviour and sometimes even little hidden secrets.

Also in the first level of relationship sometimes there are other criteria that make the association even more tightly coupled. Like for example same age, like-mindedness, closeness of souls etc.

This means that even if the two individuals are not blood relatives they may come under first level in the relationship umbrella. This bonding could be between two very close friends, between two cousins or two relatives.

Reason for Association

The very reason for close association for the first level relations could be either:

• They are of same age / are likeminded and display an unconditional love for each other.
• By having being in each other’s company for a very long time, they may have developed a strong liking and affection for each other.
• Their souls are so close at spiritual level that they like each other’s company immensely. It is for this reason in some families we often observe that the grandfather-grandson bonding is far closer than that of a father-son.

Second Level

Then there are second level relations which usually includes other caring family members, friends, relatives, sometime neighbours, co-workers and other acquaintances. Unlike in first level relations where the love and the bonding is immensely high, in the second level relations – the bonding or closeness of association is relatively slightly lesser.

This may include relatives and friends who aren’t sharing the same roof. And with whom you are not that very frequently in touch with. They may include neighbours, office colleagues or acquaintances with whom you may spend long hour chit-chatting, gossiping, sharing humour and happenings.

Setting Priority in Relationship

To keep it simple - when the love and bonding is high, when in the relationship/friendship people are tagged as priority 1(maximum+) they all come under first level relation. When the priority level goes in the range of 2-3(maximum) they all come under second level relation.

Likewise 3-6 priority entities like acquaintances, friends, neighbours or distant relatives fall under third level of relation. Going by the same notion 6-9 priority individuals like society members and so on, go into fourth and the final level in the relationship hierarchy.

So why is relationship important and why does one have to nurture it?

Importance of Nurturing Relationships

It is now known from ages that a man is a social animal. It needs company of other people around - to communicate with them - to give and earn respect – to share knowledge and feelings – to get financial, social and moral assistance et.al.

A teenage student may need assistance in almost all the aforementioned areas from their relatives and friends. An employee may nurture relationship to build rapport with others to get work related assistance from them as and when needed. So to say, employee may perceive work relationship for communication, to learn new things, to earn respect and at times for emotional bonding. During wedding and other celebrations, the host likes to share their joy and happiness with all their near and dear ones to show they care and to multiply their happiness.

Likewise during bereavement, a person who has met with an accident, or an individual who has lost a close family member may need to seek moral and emotional support from their close friends and relatives.

Staying Connected

In order to build and sustain relationship, it is important for an individual to keep in touch. So whether the connection is a client, a relative, a friend or an acquaintance, one ought to be in touch once in a while in order to sustain relationship.

It is up-to one’s discretion, whether one likes to personally visit, meet outdoors, stays connected over telephone or over a social media. Usually the relationship keeping is a two way process, which means both the parties usually share equal responsibility to keep up relationship for several years.

However in some very important or high priority relationship, like that of employer-employee or client-partner/benefactor relationship, the weightage to sustain relationship slightly tilts down to the receiving person, i.e. in this case the employee or the benefactor usually need to stay put with the relationship more than their counterparts.

Simple Tips to Nurture Relationships

• Start with a greeting with a warm smile on face, sometimes with a gentle handshake
• Put forth a vibrant body language by meeting eye contact and with correct posture
• Stay in touch – when not personally, over the phone or through digital medium
• Meet and visit during occasions or events – Depending on priority and strength of the relationship, pave visit for occasions of celebrations and grief, by taking some time off from the regular schedule.

Also, dress appropriately for the same and convey appropriate message for the event. Depending on the type of occasion or the event - one could also carry gift/bouquet/cash envelope during celebrations and appropriate garland during demise.

Occasionally host an event – Like throwing a small party on first birthday of a child. Inviting relatives and friends for a family wedding. Arranging a small get-together for getting a promotion etc. In some selected relationships (often formal – regular client, family doctor, auditor or a regular supplier) – Carry a box of sweets/cookies for them or their family. Or a small box of chocolate if they have children

Relationship vs. Social Networking

Relationship however differs from social networking. In offices, start-ups, businesses, industries and other formal setups - relationship is considered to be the phase that follows social networking. In social networking, individuals often engage in meeting and greeting people who are also part of the same platform, occasion or an event.

Also, social networking is often considered to be between any two or more individuals or parties, who may or may not already have formed a healthy relationship. Usually it is a considered to be the precursor that helps individuals to know and understand each other before they are bound into a healthy relationship.

Final Take

Relationship keeping is about displaying care, feelings, respect and need for each other. Every relationship has its own pros and cons. While some come along with learning, in a few one gets opportunity to share their emotions and feelings.

And then there are a few that teaches a person lessons of their lifetime. Also there are a few relationship where the parties seldom keep in touch, yet their liking for each other and relationship bonding is incomparable.

In a relationship when everybody contributes their share, and is strongly based on principles of utmost good faith and care for each other, that fall under the grace umbrella and are governed by the God Himself, are expected to go a long-long way in one’s life and time.