We all know what a one-way street is, right? A road or street where traffic is permitted to move in only one direction, typically indicated by signs or markings. 

But have you heard of one-way relationships or one-way managing?

I am talking about all kinds of relationships and managing here.

Unlike a one-way street which is indicated by signs or markings, the latter, unfortunately, is not. 

It will take you years before you see the signs. 

Let’s take a look at relationships. This goes for both marriages, family, work, and business relationships.

In a relationship, there is always, always, someone who does the most effort. Whether it be keeping the relationship less complicated, less chaotic, less troubled, more harmonious, more organized, and basically, easygoing and nicely flowing.

At first, we don’t see that as a problem. When we are into something, we give it one hundred percent of what we have. Because, really, who goes into business, work, or relationships giving only ten or fifty percent of themselves? That would be chaotic and unfair, right? 

Then, five years down the road, we started seeing the signs. But, like any good driver, we find alternate routes. We find ways and reasons to make the business go on, to make our work manageable, and to make the relationship last. And, well, we find it doable.

So we stayed on that one-way street.

Many years passed, and that one hundred percent we invested got lesser and lesser through the years. We no longer get excited about going to work. We don’t care how our work is done. The business eventually suffered. Family started going separate ways. Relationships eventually grew colder.

You know why?

Because the ones who gave their all no longer have any to give. And the ones who are waiting for the giver, the doer, the peacemaker to do their tasks, can’t accept the reality. They get lost, mad, vindictive, and lay the blame on the former rather than themselves. And the process continues.

Unlike a one-way street with signs and markings where you can easily find alternative routes…

One-sided relationships whether it be in business, family, work, and marriages, finding an alternate route is usually the way out. 

But it’s not an easy one. 

Until next time,