Relationships Are Messy

Relationships are messy

By lisae87 on June 1, 2026

What are some characteristics of a good relationship? We may think of trustworthy, consistent, forgiving, honest, and loyal. We have a variety of relationships with family, friends, coworkers, a spouse, and a boss. We connect through interests, hobbies, passions, and faith. Let’s face it. Relationships can be messy. Sometimes a relationship is good. Sometimes a relationship needs a little work. Even the best of our relationships have stressful times. Spouses disagree and talk it out. A parent messes up and asks forgiveness from a child. A child messes up and needs grace and guidance. An employee messes up and needs direction. A boss takes ownership of a misunderstanding and seeks reconciliation. A friend struggles and just needs a listening ear. Because life is messy, we need each other. Good relationships help each other in the good and bad times, encourage and strengthen one another, listen to hard feedback, and work through misunderstandings and hurts. Connections Challenge: Think about and be thankful for your relationships. Develop and build the characteristics of a good relationship. If a relationship needs a little work, exercise humility, take the first step to reconcile, and take the time to build it. Life is messy. We need each other.

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Thanks to Lisa Estes and her twice weekly entry on Connections2Excellence.