4 INDISPENSABLE TRUTHS ABOUT BUILDING RELATIONSHIP

While growing up, I discovered that I loved to be alone. I found it hard to enjoy others' company, besides myself. I always felt my best company was myself.

Others in the family will be chatting, but before they know it, I would steal away to a quiet place to read.

I loved reading Mills and Boons(Romance stories) until I became addicted to it. However, when I got to know Christ, I knew that I needed to break the power of this addiction, not to alcohol or cocaine but to reading romance stories.

For you to become my friend or close ally back then, you needed to be an addict like I was.

I remember when I finished my JAMB examination, I went with a friend to different stores reading Mills and Boons. We didn't purchase any, all we did was stay in the store and read for hours. It was allowed back then.

On breaking the addiction to Mills and Boons, I preferred to mingle with one or two boys that my spirit flowed with, not for immoral dealings but just for pure friendship. I never liked girls because they gossiped and talked a lot.

As I grew older I knew I needed ladies as friends irrespective of my past experiences with them. I needed to go along with them. And guess what? Today I am more connected with ladies than men.

As a pastor's wife, I know that I have to befriend my fellow women. As a leader of women, I learned to accommodate them. Now, I can say boldly that I am a lover of people.

In relating with people, there are different things I have learned. Here are 4 of them:

1. No one is perfect:

Everyone has their weaknesses just like you have yours.

Learn to endure the weaknesses of others because others are enduring yours too.

2. No one is a write-off:

The people you think are of no use to you today may become your greatest ally.

Learn to appreciate people, for whatever you sow, you will reap.

Do you want men to cherish you? Then sow the seed in others.

3. Forgive others, because you want people to forgive you too:

People will hurt you deeply, but you will heal with time. Overcome all pains and move forward.

Learn more from the way people hurt you and avoid the mistake of giving people the right to hurt you.

There is a purpose for everyone you meet in your life. Some are there to test your patience and make you better and not bitter. Others are there to learn from you.

4. Leadership is all about relationships, so maintain good relationships with others:

Relationships equal wealth. People can make or mar you. So be good to people.

Those who misbehave, ignore and move forward with your life.

The good seed you sow in others today, you will reap tomorrow.

Some of the things I'm enjoying today are a result of my good relationship with others.

Some are hurting and will hurt you in the process of building relationships, but understanding will help you to walk in wisdom with them.

Others may have an inferiority complex, so they will fight you because of their weakness. Always walk in wisdom with them. Wisdom and understanding will keep you with others.

Those difficult people are there to bring out the best of God in you when they see the sweet spirit you possess.

On a final note, know that you will become the best of God as you connect with others in love. The real me came alive as I began to connect more with people. So allow the real you—created in the image of God come out, too! You'll love it.

I trust this blessed you. Which of the points connected with you most? Share in the comment section.

Cheers to you!

Become the very best of God!

Olukemi Olodude

Relationship Coach