Relationships and interactions between people are core to our existence and they often define how we experience this world and perceive ourselves.
Each of our relationships elicit different responses in ourselves to help us grow and learn about ourselves. But having superficial, unsupportive, unstable relationships, could have more damage than we’d like to admit.
Recently I had an encounter that made me ponder over certain relationships, and found a term that deemed fit- transactional relationships.
By nature, transactional relationships focus more on the transaction, than interaction. They are about getting the most you can in exchange for as little as possible on your part.
There is no doubt, that each relationship has some elements of the transaction. But, as opposed to transformational such a relationships tracks and measures. It kills depth and adds breath with the weight of expectation for reciprocation.
On the contrary, transformational relationships are about synergistic and unconditional love. Focusing on creating more love and meaning. They come from a place of genuineness and authenticity, going beyond superficiality.
Surely, we all need transactional relationships, but possibly not more than transformational ones. So how can we cultivate more transformational relationships and move away from the culture of transactions?
We can start by coming from a place of genuinely wanting to help someone rather than attaching wights of returning the favor. By respecting, developing rapport and supporting beyond gains in return. Finding common grounds over which we can bond over, and advancing each other synergistically.
