Men and Relationships
Heading into Father’s Day weekend brings a mixed bag of emotions and memories. Some have warm memories of a loving dad, while others carry more difficult memories of childhood pain or current struggles in their relationship with their father. There is one thing that all men, fathers and non-fathers alike, have in common: they all need relationships.
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate and thank the men who have made a positive impact on our lives, but it’s also an opportunity to acknowledge that many men struggle to build and maintain strong, meaningful connections with the people who matter most. It’s a challenge that shows up in the workplace, but it has an even greater impact on our personal lives.
The ability to truly listen, engage, encourage, communicate, and handle conflict in a healthy way—these are essential skills for successful relationships. But they don’t come automatically. They take energy, intention, and humility.
Recognizing our need for others is the first step toward building better relationships in our lives. Choosing to listen and learn about someone else takes discipline. Allowing others to speak into our lives takes courage. Giving our time and attention to another person requires us to shift the focus from our needs to theirs.
Father’s Day is a great reminder to begin (or continue) the journey of connecting with the important people in your life. When we choose to invest in relationships, we will make a difference.
—Larry
Check out our latest episode of the RelationShifts Podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcast | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
