Your Monday Motivation: On Relationships.

 Your Monday Motivation: On Relationships.

In secondary school biology, we are taught the different kinds of relationships that exist between organisms —commensalism (where one of the parties benefits but without harming the other), mutualism (where both parties benefit), and parasitism (where one party benefits and thus causes harm to the other). At a young age, we majorly despise parasitic relationships because of their one-sided benefit at the expense of the other. However, we grow up to want to be parasites in relationships. 

I deeply value the idea of mutual benefit in relationships, where both parties gain without detriment to the other. However, there are instances where we may unknowingly foster parasitic behaviors under the guise of mutualism or commensalism. When our primary focus becomes maximizing personal gain in every interaction, we tread dangerously toward a parasitic dynamic.

It is important to recognize that not every relationship or transaction should be about maximizing one's own benefits or winning at the expense of others. Learning to contribute value to others without expecting immediate reciprocation is a fundamental aspect of healthy relationships. I understand it is natural to seek benefits from certain connections, this, however, should not be our sole guiding principle.

We should be open to maintaining relationships even when immediate benefits are not abundant. The future holds countless possibilities, and the value of relationships often extends beyond immediate gains.

Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad

29.1.2024