| Our relationships with others provide many of the most | | | | species, we'll resort to the most heinous acts to further |
| satisfying - and frustrating - moments of the human | | | | our welfare at the expense of others. |
| experience. | | | | But for all the bad stuff, acts of altruism towards |
| On the one hand we are instinctively driven to seek | | | | strangers greatly outnumber those of hostility, as |
| the companionship of our fellow beings, indeed such is | | | | witnessed by the level of charitable donations, or the |
| the complexity of the modern world that out very | | | | level of response to natural disasters such as |
| survival depends on co-operating with numerous | | | | earthquakes or tsunamis. Even holding the door for |
| others. But conversely our dealings with other people | | | | someone to enter a building demonstrates our basic |
| force us to sacrifice, compromise, inhibit our liberty, and | | | | kindness. |
| are an endless source of disappointment and anger | | | | Darwin highlighted the merits of competitiveness in his |
| when our peers fall short of our reasonable | | | | theory of evolution. The comforts of the material plane |
| expectations. | | | | are available in proportion to worldly success, and by |
| Our relationships take many forms. Family, friends, | | | | implication this means doing better than the next man. |
| neighbors, business, acquaintances... Some of these | | | | But being the "higher" species carries with it the |
| are of our choosing, others just come with the territory. | | | | concept of noblesse oblige. Most obviously in |
| Understanding how to handle each of these | | | | developed societies this comes in the form of |
| relationships effectively will yield a smoother and more | | | | progressive taxation - the more you earn, the more |
| fulfilling journey through life. | | | | tax you pay! But consider how many wealthy folk |
| Why are relationships important? | | | | voluntarily support numerous good causes. |
| From the Spiritual perspective our dealings with others | | | | The conflict between our underlying and eternal |
| is of the utmost significance and a major part of our | | | | brotherhood and our limited individuality and rivalry is the |
| raison d'être. The fundamental nature of Spirit, | | | | cause of much difficulty in relationships. Awareness of |
| from which we all come and of which we are all part, | | | | this conflict, along with that of our innate feeling |
| is unity. Everything is part of the one great wholeness. | | | | towards others, is the first step to building and |
| The eternal quest of Spirit is for growth, but the | | | | maintaining successful and fulfilling relationships. |
| growth that comes from the interaction between | | | | Know thyself |
| different players cannot happen without the | | | | Some of us are more inclined to pursue relationships |
| differentiation of the on into the many. Hence we are | | | | than others. For some socializing is a pleasure, for |
| born as separate entities in physical form that we | | | | others it ranges from being a chore to the painfully |
| might play out our roles, ultimately furthering the growth | | | | unpleasant. The insightful psychologist Jung categorized |
| of Spirit. | | | | these types as extrovert and introvert respectively. |
| The paradox of relationships | | | | Knowing where you stand on this continuum and |
| Our relationships with others are hugely paradoxical. | | | | adapting accordingly will assist greatly in your inevitable |
| The highest emotion of which we are capable is | | | | dealings with others. |
| unconditional love, to place the welfare of another | | | | The golden rule |
| higher than our own - no matter what. To experience | | | | Remember, ultimately we are all one, but while |
| unconditional love, either towards or from another | | | | incarnate we assume the role of competitive |
| being is possibly the highest privilege in this world. We | | | | individuals. Your role on earth is to try your best in your |
| may hold it for our nearest and dearest, our parents, | | | | chosen field, but in your dealings with others let your |
| our partner, our children... A few more advanced souls | | | | conscience be your guide. Ultimately, the ethic of |
| may hold it for larger groups, or even the whole of | | | | reciprocity should form the foundation of your |
| humanity. But this is too tall an order for most. | | | | relationships. Expressed by Jesus as: "And as ye |
| Towards the majority, for whom we sadly don't hold | | | | would that men should do to you, do ye also to them |
| unconditional love, we are often fiercely competitive. | | | | likewise." This ethic recurs throughout all major faiths |
| We want the better job, bigger house, faster car etc. | | | | and philosophies. |
| than the guy across the street. Sometimes, as a | | | | |