The most important relationship
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
relationship
What is an important relationship?
What is the most significant relationship in your life? Is it your boyfriend or girlfriend,your parents, your siblings, your wife or husband, or your children? It could be a best friend relationship that you value more than any of your other significant relationships. Often times we value our relationships so much, that we do things for others, or drop things that are important to ourselves, without giving it much thought. Again, I have to ask who is your most significant relationship? All of us, should have the same answer. The most important, significant relationship is the one we have with ourselves. You need to be number one in your life. That may sound selfish; however, people tend to take our time for granted without any thought or inconvenience, as how it will affect you.
If you are allowing, someone to be irresponsible toward you, they are are not the significant person you thought they were. For example, I know a lady who is a good grandparent and helps out her kids whenever they ask for help. Her daughter-in-law tends to be selfish and naturally assumes grandma will always be available to help. Often, this person waits until the last minute to ask for help, which inconveniences her mother-in-law. I am not saying not to help out the people you love; but you may want to establish boundaries. For example, this mother-in-law may want to let her daughter-in-law that she needs more time to be informed about babysitting. People who let other people take over their time and their lives often get devalued.
Deciding to value oneself over others seems to be selfish, when in reality you are respecting yourself. Decide what is important in your life. What are your personal needs, like scheduled exercise times, times to connect with friends, or whatever you think that you need at a personal level. And once you have decided what you need, do not let others try to rob you of these necessary. If you let others take advantage of you, you end up losing pieces of yourself that are important. Stand up for yourself! You matter! Take time for you. I am not saying don’t do other things for people, just that your personal important issues should come first. So, by now you know the most significant relationship one has in life is with oneself.