Why the Need to Build Relationships: The One Way Ticket

By Samuel Sulaiman Bah

When we talk about relationships, we refer to our interactions and connections with other people. Relationships are fundamental to everyone’s progress; the more we engage with others, the further we can go and the more we can achieve in our future.

Viewing relationships as a one-way ticket emphasizes their importance. When we utilize the opportunities they bring and leverage them to our advantage—without using others as stepping stones—we can build a foundation of immense significance in our lives. Relationships come in different forms, but the focus of this article is on those that add meaning and value to our lives.

While we can all relate to the idea of relationships, we may not always choose to engage in them for various reasons. Not every relationship is worth our time, energy, and resources. If we are to connect with others, we should be clear about our intentions, our personality, our priorities, our preferences, our beliefs, and ultimately, what we can gain from such relationships.

Why the Need for Building Relationships?

Relationships form the foundation of our existence as humans; how we interact and connect with others largely determines our experience on earth. Whatever we do, wherever we go, and whomever we associate with, identifies the need for and purpose of those relationships from the outset. This article explores three of the most significant reasons for building relationships:

1. To Be Loved and Appreciated.

2. For Better Opportunities in Life.

3. For Personal Growth and Self-Development.

1. To Be Loved and Appreciated

As humans, we all seek love and appreciation, and relationships help us navigate that journey. Love and appreciation often come from our family, friends, and loved ones. Building relationships is driven by the need to be loved and appreciated by others, as it provides us with self-confidence and a positive mindset. Knowing that there are people who care for us gives us comfort and makes life more bearable; without love and appreciation, life becomes difficult for everyone.

2. For Better Opportunities in Life

Navigating life is essential because of the opportunities we all seek to make a difference. Life can be miserable and challenging without opportunities, and we often live in despair if we are not given or do not create chances to make a difference. Sometimes, this depends on us as individuals.

As the saying goes, "It's not what you know, but who you know." In this context, it's not always about our education or what we've learned that creates opportunities in life; the world is constantly changing, and "networking" is fundamental for personal growth and development. We cannot afford to sit and wait for opportunities; we must walk the path with the hope and belief that we can achieve our goals.

3. For Personal Growth and Self-Development

One of the major prerequisites of relationships is the need for personal growth and self-development. Each of us must develop ourselves as individuals to prepare for and preserve our future.

Developing ourselves provides the tools necessary for advancement in life. No matter where we come from, we must have a clear understanding of where we are going, for the sake of our families and the uncertain future.

What Do We Consider Strategic and Productive Relationships?

A strategic relationship is one of value and importance, while others may hold no value or significance (i.e., they neither add value to nor subtract anything of worth from our lives).

However, strategic and productive relationships are those from which we can genuinely benefit, whether in specific or general ways. Building such relationships is the key to a valuable connection in all aspects of our lives. Do not enter into any relationship just because you find yourself in uncomfortable circumstances; be careful and attentive when building strategic relationships.

In every relationship, we need to feel loved and appreciated. We should also use the opportunities presented in our relationships to develop our personal well-being as we engage with others. In doing so, we must have a clear intent toward building relationships that are productive and valuable, not just for ourselves, but for those we are involved with as well.