Relationships sustain us; social interaction and social acceptance are vital to our health, wealth and happiness. The presence of meaningful relationships in our lives is implicated in how satisfied we are, how well we do, and even how long we live.

Relationship breakdown, whether partial or total, is universally painful. Social isolation, being misunderstood, ignored, or feeling unheard, affect us so deeply, and sometimes they cause damage that cannot be repaired. We know this, which is why we use social deprivation as a punishment.

Social connectedness shapes who we are as individuals and the quality of our interactions shape the very cultures we live and work in. Maintaining those relationships means strengthening them which in return makes for more resilient people and communities. I could go on…

It’s odd, isn’t it, that something so vital to us is so neglected and misunderstood. Fortunately we can do something about it. We can nurture our relationships, and we can affect the lives of others through kindness and empathy.