Man is by nature a social creature. Many other living beings also live in close knit communities.  Among them, man is the most evolved   but still retains the natural instinct of living in a society.

Since centuries people have been living with and interacting   with family and other relations in a set system. But with technological development and   resultant economic progress, this system seems to be crumbling.

In an   average urban   family, both husband and wife are earning. Even children start doing part time jobs once they are grown up enough.

Thus every individual   becomes financially and physically independent. There is no dependence on anyone for any physical need. This situation has made   most people   in urban areas to become self centred.

People are so much involved in their own affairs that they hardly have any time for anybody else. Meeting friends and relatives has   become a very formal affair.  Many people do not like to be disturbed at home by visitors. They prefer that somebody coming to their house should take a proper appointment before hand.   The days   where you would simply go and knock at a friend’s house to meet him when you wished, are practically over.  In the evenings, when free, they mostly sit at homes with their computers or   glued to the television. There is hardly any interaction with other family members or friends.

But this is not a very healthy trend. Human relations are important for the overall well being of an individual and one cannot ignore this fact. The rising incidence of anxiety, depression and other mental problems is the result of lack of close human relationships.  Talking to a close friend or relative helps in releasing mental as well as physical stress.  One also gets advice on any problem bothering him or her. If there is an occasion of sorrow or joy, there is always some person or persons to share with. This increases the happiness on a merry occasion and reduces the misery in case of some tragedy. In case of any problem, one has somebody to depend on for help.

Some argue that meeting people without any reason is a waste of time. That time can be used for doing some work or maybe earning more money. But this is a wrong thinking. Man is not a money minting machine. He has emotional needs. These can be fulfilled only by other human beings, with whom he has any contact. Therefore time spent with close ones should be considered an investment for a richer life. A sensible person can balance his work and relations very well.

 Relationships of any form, whether in family or with friends or work mates have to be nurtured. Meeting them personally or communicating regularly in any form brings people close. They develop an affinity for one another.

Some things have to be kept in mind to maintain a good relationship. One should never criticize or say something harsh to a close one. Even if there are obvious faults or weakness, it should not be pointed out bluntly. Suggestions for correcting the fault can be given in a positive way.

Give and take is a necessity to maintain a good relation. If today your friend or relative is spending on you, taking you out for a good dinner, it is your turn to reciprocate next. Exchanging gifts on festivals and occasions is useful as a token of mutual love and affection.  If   some elderly relative does something for you, the best way to reciprocate is by giving due respect to him.

Back biting, i.e. talking   ill of someone in his absence is absolutely detrimental for a relationship hence should be avoided.

One cannot claim that he is self sufficient and needs no one.  Even if you buy grocery and food, it is not the   currency notes, but the person at the other end who fulfils this need.

Every person needs other people for his physical and emotional needs. This fact should be gracefully accepted. One should nurture and enjoy relations with family members, relatives, friends and colleagues. Life will seem much more enjoyable then.

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