Building Bridges

Relationships.

Probably one of the most important aspects of a person’s life, be it friendship, love or a parent-child relationship. A relationship between two people can be equated with a bridge over a river. The two people are like the two banks of the river. Each one independent of each other, living their own lives. Each one has their own experiences and viewpoint of the world. And then someday they find themselves at a place where they find a common point…a place to build a bridge.

The foundation of this bridge is built on the pillars of affection, respect, trust and honesty. The stronger these pillars, the stronger the bridge. Till the foundation becomes really strong, the bridge can be shaky. The bridge is put together with the cement of communication, each conversation bringing the two closer to each other till they meet midway. And midway they must meet. If ever there is a disagreement, one person can cross over to bring the other back to the middle and sometimes the other may have to cross over.

Mutual respect and affection keep the communication going and strengthen the bridge of this relationship. And the work must be done by both. When both are equally invested (emotionally and mentally) in the building of the bridge, it grows into a beautifully balanced piece, almost like a work of art.

What can ruin this beautiful balance are the termites of ego and doubt that eat away at the foundation. Doubt can cause the bridge to weaken, but this can still be settled by open honest conversation.

But EGO?? Ego can completely ruin this beautiful bridge. When EGO comes in, respect and affection are the first to go. Trust and honesty lose value. Ego does not allow communication to take place. The beautiful delicate bridge which may have taken years to build may just crumble.

How strong are your bridges?