Relationships take work. Whatever the relationship, husband/wife, parent/child, sibling, or friends, they take effort from two people. One person can do everything they can to make it work, but if the other isn’t trying, the relationship is going to have a more difficult time. Even though relationships take work, if they are good and positive relationships they are worth it.

There are many influencing factors to relationships. It isn’t just about the two of you, others have an affect. Both sides of relatives and friends have their input. They are usually free to share their opinions, both positive and negative. Cell mates get in the heads of loved ones, giving opinions on why you didn’t or couldn’t answer the phone, visit, or write. They can plant all sorts of doubts that in turn cause reactions in your loved one.

Some of the “advice” relatives and friends give might be good and worth listening to. Other times it is confusing and causes all sorts of problems. You are the one who needs to determine if the advice is good or not. The problem is, sometimes it is hard to let your heart hear what you don’t want to hear. Determining whether your relationship is detremental or positive is not always easy, but it is essential.

It is so important to keep communication going. That may not always be easy given the circumstances, but it is so important to talk things out. Discuss the doubts, the outside influences, and what they are saying. Talk about your dreams and hopes, what is good, and what is frustrating. Just keep talking.

One of the best things you can do is pray about your relationship, pray with them, and pray for them. Jesus loves you both and cares about your situation even more than you do. He can help with your relationship in ways no one else can. He is waiting for you.

Suggestions: Some things that can help your communication include reading the Bible, and\or a book you can discuss. The use of various questionnaires can provide points of discussion. Remember to stay respectful, even when discussions get heated. Someone once told us to always leave their dignity intact. Another person said to always be kind to each other. Those two things can save so many heartaches.