sultryash: Relationships form the cornerstone of our lives. From the time we enter this world to the time we depart it -- we depend upon and are surrounded by people. Nothing describes this basic human instinct and need as the well-known phrase, 'No man is an island entire of itself.'
However, relationships are complex and complicated. How we approach and handle those relationships brings us ecstatic joy, happiness and peace of mind -- or sometimes pain and sorrow. We also show different sides of ourselves in all of our daily interactions -- in our romantic and intimate relationships, as parents, when we interact with our own parents; from each unique friendship to our business and professional connections. Some people bring out the best in us, some the worst. Why do we interact the way we do? How can we improve our relationships?
I believe we interact the way we do through instinct and example. We all have knowledge built into our memories, some people can tap into that knowledge more effectively than others but it is always there. And the rest of how we react is learnt from example, beginning early in life from our primary care givers but extending later to all those relationships, human and otherwise, that we interact with or observe.
How can we improve our interactions? We surround ourselves with positive examples from which to learn. Habits and reactions can be unlearnt or learnt but it takes time, repetitions and willingness.