“Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.” – Eric Fromm

In this final article in the relationship series, I’d like to offer some closing thoughts and my favourite quotes on the matter. While there is some controversy over collaboration, it seems safe to assume we’re better off working together than we are standing apart.

“Love one another and you will be happy. It’s as simple and as difficult as that.” – Michael Leunig

Relationships can be incredibly rewarding. But they can also turn into quite a pain. It’s important to realise that when dealing with other people, we need to check our egos at the door and be prepared to put their needs above our own.

“Honesty is the best image.” – Tom Wilson

Nobody likes inconsistency. So make sure you keep all the promises you make and don’t make any promises you can’t keep. It’s all about gaining trust through the little things so they trust you when it really counts. Nothing could be simpler.

“Make it your guiding principle to do your best for others and to be trustworthy in what you say.” – Confucius

(For more resources and tips, download your free copy of “Work in Progress” exclusively from www.varsityblah.com/about)

“Not to mend one’s ways when one has erred is to err indeed.” – Confucius

We all make mistakes. What separates us is how we respond. Either we pull up our sleeves and do what we can to make things right or we throw away something beautiful and potentially lose it forever. Please don’t do the latter! Instead, take Dale Carnegie’s advice by apologising quickly and emphatically when you’re wrong or simply could be wrong. Explain why you did what you did and ask for forgiveness.

“There is no remedy for love but to love more.” – Henry David Thoreau

Let the other person know how much the relationship means to you and how much losing it would hurt you both. This is where sincerity is a must. Unless they can truly believe what you have to say, it’s a waste of time. Don’t be afraid to show that you are feeling vulnerable. We’re all human and I’m sure they’ll understand.

“Hatred is blind and anger deaf: the one who pours himself a cup of vengeance is likely to drink a bitter draught.” – Alexandre Dumas

If you’ve been wronged, you must learn to forgive. Never try to get even with your enemies and don’t hold any grudges. Letting other people have such power over you always ends up hurting you far more. Instead, strive to be patient and able to bear the faults in others the way they put up with your own. This is a true mark of character and self-control.

“Patience and fortitude conquer all things.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ultimately, we need to realise that even huge differences can be overcome. As long as we’re prepared to keep the faith, nothing’s impossible.

(For more resources and tips, download your free copy of “Work in Progress” exclusively from www.varsityblah.com/about)