Have you ever found yourself typing “Quick Fix: relationship help” into Google?
It’s no surprise; we live in a world where quick fixes are touted as the solution to almost everything, be it dieting, finances, mortgages, or travel. But here’s the truth: some things in life just can’t be automated or magically solved overnight, no matter what anyone tells you.
Take relationships, for instance. They require something that can’t be rushed: time and genuine effort. It brings to mind a heartwarming story about a little boy and his father.
The relationship between Father & Son
“Daddy, may I ask you a question?” “Yeah sure, what is it?” “Daddy, how much do you make an hour?” “That’s none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?” “I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?” “If you must know, I make $100 an hour.” “Oh! …Daddy, may I please borrow $50?”
The father was initially infuriated by the request, thinking it was for some frivolous toy. But as he reflected, he realised that curiosity and understanding were essential in relationships. He decided to give the boy the money. With that the boy pulled out $50 of his own then handed the $100 to his dad.
“Daddy, I have $100 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.”
Curiosity, it turns out, is a powerful way to work on relationships and build goodwill.
The little boy’s simple question led to a beautiful moment of connection between father and son.
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to let these moments slip away. At the start of a relationship, we’re attentive, making an effort to spend time and put the other person first. But over time, life’s demands can overshadow our relationships. Work, career growth, and other priorities take the forefront, and our relationship often takes a backseat—not intentionally, but as a matter of course.
Continuing to work on our relationships requires conscious effort, creating goodwill that we can draw upon when needed. Spending unexpected time together is one of the simplest ways to foster goodwill. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; what matters is doing something selflessly, without expecting anything in return.
The key question to ask yourself is whether your actions make the other person feel good. What do you do to create goodwill in your relationship? If you’re looking for guidance and inspiration, consider joining our upcoming 5-day email challenge. Let’s work together to strengthen those bonds and keep the flame of goodwill burning bright.