We are all guilty of being complacent about and within our relationships.
With all that that is going on in our lives, it is all too easy to take many things for granted — our routine, opportunities that come our way, people who are always around to support us — both at work and at home, with our friends and our family.
Considering the time we’ve invested in building that trust and connection with others, imagine damaging it just because we slacked off and didn’t do what we had to do to maintain it! The good intentions are always there, but action, regretfully, takes its own sweet time.
One of my closest friends and I used to phone each other frequently and meet up whenever we could. But now, we’re both so busy with our lives that we don’t get around to connecting. Luckily, we are close enough not to keep score over who called whom and when we talk, it is always wonderful .
But it has got me thinking.
Am I taking for granted the people I treasure?
People say you don’t know what you’ve got until it is gone. Truth is, you knew what you had, you just thought you’d never lose it.
As we get embroiled in our lives, we often do not notice the support we constantly receive from those who mean so much to us. What about the times they need our support? Are we tuned to noticing it? Sadly, not always.
The cozy relationships we enjoy can sometimes make us so content that in the process of sharing ourselves with the ones close to us, we don’t realize we’re dumping on them. We take them for granted. We assume they are always ready to listen to us.
When we do this, we unknowingly stop giving them the attention they deserve. So maybe we can win them over again. But it takes hard work to keep relationships fun and lively.
The truth is, we all evolve as people over time, and so do our relationships. Some grow stronger, some drift apart. When we think that we could have sustained it, and didn’t, the regret and guilt set in.
Are we tuned to the changes that are inevitable?
Are we ready to restore the attention we originally paid to the people who matter to us?
We should be, considering that these are the people who’ve pledged their support to us and we certainly shouldn’t be taking them for granted.
To keep relationships healthy, it is a good thing to ask ourselves periodically whether we are taking the ones we hold close for granted.
One effective way is to take a relationship inventory.
Here is how to do this:
- Pick one person in your life — someone truly important to you
- Think about what you like about them the most. What do you value about them?
- Reflect — have you taken them for granted? Why?
- If this person expects your support, are you aware of it?
Once you take the inventory, let the person know they are on your priority list.
Why be guilty of taking for granted the people who give you the most?
Never forget where you’ve been. Never lose sight of where you’re going. And never take for granted the people who travel the journey with you — Susan Gale
—
Previously Published on medium
***
You Might Also Like These From The Good Men Project
Compliments Men Want to Hear More Often | Relationships Aren’t Easy, But They’re Worth It | The One Thing Men Want More Than Sex | ..A Man’s Kiss Tells You Everything |
Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.
A $50 annual membership gives you an all access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class and community.
A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group and our online communities.
A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community.
Register New Account
Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.
—
Photo credit: iStock