The Value of Our Relationships

My husband and I have a broker. His job is to invest our money into funds so that our money “grows.” He does not invest all our money into one fund, rather he carefully chooses the ones that he believes will give us the best return in the way of earned interest.

Relationships, I believe, are a lot like investments. Carefully chosen relationships reap lasting and rich rewards.

Although every relationship has some value, not every relationship holds the same value.

For instance, two grocery clerks, whom I’ve known for the last twenty years, both retired last month. They both worked at the store where I’ve always done my grocery shopping. Now, I no longer see either of these women even though I still shop at the same store. 

I miss their hearty laughs, the stories of their families as well as their friendliness. But, we never exchanged phone numbers, went out for coffee or shared our innermost thoughts with each other. Our relationship was cordial, but not close.

Those with whom I am closest to are those who have worked hard and spent the time it takes to cultivate our relationship. Somehow, when we first met, we knew between ourselves that the relationship would be worth pursuing. 

Like a stockbroker who studies the ebb and flow of funds in order to make a safe investment, we too have a way of determining with whom we’ll invest ourselves albeit differently than how a money manager does it. 

While a broker looks at charts, reads statistics, and researches trends, before they invest, I read a person’s heart. Likewise, my heart is read by others before they too invest themselves in me. 

Relationships are a two way deal. Just as I desire to have an honest, authentic and safe relationship with someone, they too want what I want. Wanting the same thing is a good place to start. 

As the relationship progresses over time, signs and signals appear that either encourage or discourage the relationship. It may grow richer and more intimate or it may remain cordial and respectful. 

Recently, five friends of mine, whom I’ve known for at least thirty years, wanted to celebrate my birthday. Consequently, I set up dates to meet them either for breakfast or lunch. Then, over the few weeks, I enjoyed a meal, one on one, with each of them. Spending separate time is my favorite way of spending time with those friends of mine because then, like the meals we shared, I can enjoy the richness and variety of each of those friendships.

Why Bother? 

Why bother assessing the value of our relationships? When we assess the value of our relationships we will know which ones are worth cultivating with our time and effort and which ones we’ll settle for being cordial and respectful. Although every relationship has some value, not every relationship holds the same value.

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who, like me, experienced a tragedy in life, but do not want their life to become a tragedy. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.