I have been meeting up with a lot of my friends in the past one month. Friends I made at various stages of my life. My college mate who became a very good friend after she became my colleague, my university roommate with whom I have spent some crazy times, my friend in that faraway land to whom I can bare it all, the one who made me aware of one of the most important keepsake lessons of life (that your biggest strength can be your biggest weakness ), the one who was with me when the entrepreneurship bug bit me , the one who is my workout/shopping/movie partner… The list goes on.
So basically, I have spent a lot of time in coffee shops and little eateries (where we are allowed to sit for as long as we want) in various parts of my town.  In addition to the time spent with them, I also really enjoy the drive back home after I meet them.  Each time I have driven back, I would have a smile on my face, thinking of all the topics that we have spoken about. That is when I realized one commonality between what I feel about each one of them. I realized that I am in awe of the amazing things that they do and how well they do it. I am in awe of the individual that he/she is. That in turn develops a feeling of respect for that person. And that respect is something that has kept the relationship going.
I am in awe of how she has turned a godforsaken land into a beautiful organic farm. I am in awe of how she has managed her career so well with the right moves at the right time, always willing to take up more responsibilities without neglecting any of her already existing ones. I am in awe of how she has grown as an individual and become capable of handling all that comes her way with a smile. I am in awe of the faith she has in herself to come out of any situation that she is in. I am in awe of the way she stands up for her loved ones. I am in awe of how she thinks and comes up with such beautiful concepts for her designs. I am in awe of her commitment to a healthy lifestyle. The list can go on and on.
I found this formula true for all relationships. Where there is a feeling of awe for the other individual, there is respect and that in turn gives longevity and strength to the relationship. The other person can be your spouse , your kids, your immediate or extended family or your friends.  Applying the inverse formula, where there is no respect for the other individual, the relationship does not last long.
May you find that awe and respect in every relationship that matters to you!
 
 

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