Sometimes a relationship that is very dear to us that we thought could never get affected, gets strained. And when we look back and replay events in our mind, we realise that several things could have been done differently from both sides. The one thing that becomes clear to us is that every relationship needs attention.

We often take people for granted. We believe that the relationship and proximity allows us the liberty to do so. To some extent that may even be true. With those we are very close to, we can take liberties. However, when taking them for granted becomes our default behaviour, we deprive them of the respect and attention they desire from us, straining the relationship.

Often we get so consumed with our own life and achievements, that we stop paying attention to what others are doing and we stop sharing in their ups and downs. This leaves them with a feeling of neglect. When we stop giving attention, we stop caring.

Sometimes we are just so busy that we fail to pick up the subtle signals we are getting. The problems someone may be going through may completely skip our attention. And when we do realise what is really going on in their life, it may be too late.

When behaviours or values start changing, and we are not attentive, we lose the opportunity to have the discussion and create the space for things to correct.

Very often we pay attention to the physical needs and comforts and feel we have done our bit. When things go wrong, we then realise that we need to pay attention to the emotional needs of others as well.

Relationships are like plants. When we attend to them, they grow and flourish. But when we just leave them be, they sometimes die or lose their glow. When we stop paying attention, effectively we have stopped giving the positive loving nourishment that keeps a relationship together.

We often forget that no matter how close someone is to us, they still carry the human need of love, respect, and attention. Just because they don’t impose themselves or are extremely understanding, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve their due share of attention.

We will build strong and meaningful relationships in our life when we pay attention to the fact that every relationship needs attention.