Human beings are social animals; we need each other to survive. However, during our interactions with other members of society, there is bound to be a rift. How can we then build and manage successful relationships?
Every relationship is built on effective communication, trust and shared values. Yet, for me, these are not enough.
As we age, you will realise that our world might never have a unified system of belief. There would be no one religion, no one language, and no ideal culture, and humans would always have divergent views of right and wrong.
So, let's say you are a manager at your organisation, a classroom teacher, or spouse to a someone who shares an opposing view in some areas, how will you manage the relationship so it doesn't fall apart?
My response will be "empathy". Empathy is the ability to understand other people's emotions, view life from their perspective, and use this awareness to guide your thought and behaviour.
When people (manager or employee, teacher or student, man or woman) embrace empathy, it becomes easier to manage conflict and build a stronger relationship.
These days, I hear people say that less and less people listen every day. There are so many distractions that many individuals pay no attention to their partners and friends anymore.
We hear the words, but fail to truly understand the hidden needs and emotions.
But here is what I do:
Rather than rush to tell my story, I try to make an effort to help the other person feel seen and heard. Sometimes, it involves validating their feelings, asking open-ended questions to understand them better.
Honestly, this has helped strengthen my connection with others and built trust.
No relationship can survive when both parties hold onto grudges and resentment. It is like a brother and sister who quarrel all the time, when a seed of discord is sown, and both parties do not make effort to settle their grievances, their relationship becomes fragile and can snap into two at any time.
Lack of forgiveness makes it difficult to have any healthy communication. This is why individuals are encouraged to move past their hurts and mistakes. It doesn't mean condoning bad behaviour. You can forgive someone for their wrong and still maintain a healthy boundary.
From my discussion above, it can be deduced that mistakes like lack of empathy, active listening and forgiveness can weaken relationships over time.
In order to build trust and genuine connection, it is important for you and I to make an effort to fit ourselves in other people's shoes, treat them kindly and take practicable steps to resolve any conflict that may arise.
Inviting @yhudy, @emmabritt and @etoro
Published on 20 July 2025
In all communication is the bedrock of strong relationship
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Communication. Yes. Still, I believe that empathy supercedes all.
What happens when you communicate your thoughts and feelings yet the other person isn't able to understand? They can't see life from your view and don't fully understand what you feel?
Let's say you are running late and your boss threatens to fire you. You've called your supervisor earlier to inform them that you will be coming in late. You explain that your kid was sick and before you could complete everything, it became too late and Lagos traffic didn't help at all.
You've communicated.
But what if they keep blaming you. They call you names and say all manner of demeaning words?
Then they lack empathy.
What will it profit a man to have a relationship, yet lack empathy?
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Thank you for the support. 🙏🏽
Happy new week!
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