When I say relationships, I don't mean romantic relationships. For some reason the word relationship has that kind of connotation. We hear the word relationship and we immediately think couple, boyfriend, or girlfriend. However, if you look up the definition of a relationship it is the way two or more people react towards each other or regard one another. If you put this generally then you can technically have a relationship with anyone. You have a relationship with your coworkers, classmates, the cashier you see at the grocery store, or even that random stranger you accidentally waved back at once when they weren't waving to you (yes we've all done it before). Basically, a relationship is a sum of all your interactions with a person. Each and every encounter is unique and important.
Now, you're probably wondering why I felt it was necessary to define what a relationship is, but I promise it will become clear later. First I want to talk about why relationships are so important. In the business of life you will often find yourself pushing relationships to the side and focussing on more things than people. I know that I am guilty of this. I make a mental list of all the things I have to do in a week and never seem to make enough time to be intentional and spend time with people. Sure, I see people throughout the week. We sit together in class or go to the same events, but that isn't the same as being intentional with your time, words, and actions to pour into another person and in return receive what they can pour into you. Now don't misunderstand me when I say this, because you are never going to have enough time to sit down individually with every single person and have a meaningful conversation and nor should this be a goal. Instead, the goal should be to be mindful of those around you. Little gestures can go a long way wether it's words of encouragement, helping someone who has dropped their stuff pick it up, or simply asking someone how they're doing. The goal is really intentionality and selflessness in your relationships.
It can be difficult to do this in big or small relationships. Going back to what I said about having a relationship with everyone; if you're in a hurry it can seem too difficult or tedious to help a stranger pick up their books. Ultimately that person is a person and how you behave in that situation alters your relationship with that person even if you never meet them again. By offering one small gesture of kindness you have made an impact on someone and formed a positive relationship. The amazing thing about this is that as you start to make more time for people you slowly realize that they are making more time for you in return. It seems simple really, but some people still don't realize that you have to put effort into a relationship just like anything else.
My biggest point is that people matter more. Any looming task in front of you that you feel you have to do can be put on the back burner for people. Loving others and then being loved in return is one of the most fulfilling things in life. It's a simple yet important thing to remember when life gets crazy because the impact you can make on someone's life is permanent. So, make a relationship and make it a good one.
