Meaningful relationship rules...

Everyone wants autonomy, individualism, and self actualization while at the same time needs interpersonal connectedness, close friendship, intimate dialogue, and social acceptance. We want to be ourselves and do what we want, but at the same time we need people to accept us and interact with us. This puts us into a very precarious position because; 1) no one has to accept us and 2) I cannot impose myself into anyone’s life for very long with negative fall-out. At some point in time, I must develop the ability to get along with people and become a welcomed member of a community.

The key to social interaction is reasonable boundaries and reliable guidelines. The dichotomous demand between individuality and social acceptance sets the stage for unending friction, frustration, and futility if reasonable and responsible terms are not set up to ensure that individuals can positively interact. If one wants to have long-term, meaningful relationships with people, one must develop a set of reasonable boundaries and reliable guidelines that governs his/her interactions. Otherwise, no one has any chance of developing real relationships.

As Christians, we have an advantage because we do not need to look to society, personal experiences, or other contemporary sources of ethical guidelines. We can look to the Bible which is always talking to us about either our relationship with God or our relationship with others. The question then becomes, do I know what the Bible says about my relationship with others and am I doing my best to live those Biblical standards with integrity. Help me God!!!