Types of Relationships

Throughout our lives, we are inevitably faced with many different kinds of relationships. Interaction with others is a very fundamental aspect of our lives whether it is with friends, significant others, parents, or even strangers. Usually, these relationships fall into three categories: selfish, mutual, and selfless.

When we engage in a selfish relationship, we continually desire things; as a result, we are in constant fear of losing what we receive and our happiness becomes dependent on how others fulfill our expectations. With such hopes of controlling others, we unnecessarily constrain ourselves. In a mutual relationship, each individual expects to receive but is equally willing to give; while slowly quenching the desire to satisfy personal wants, this relationship has many moments of selfless love but at times when expectations aren't met, there is some conflict that can potentially lead to further distress.

In a selfless relationship, however, we give without expecting. There are no hopes of receiving for our efforts, there is no fear for the future and there is no stress of upholding the ego. The joy of our action doesn't lie in achieving the result but in thoroughly enjoying the action in its moment. We find no faults with others and we are full of love for every being. When we meditate, our restless and distracting thoughts guide us to see the extent of our selfishness and its roots in our own anger, fear, and distress. Becoming aware, we take the first step in understanding ourselves and in turn, our relationship with others.