Beyond the Day to Day…
‘Karen and Jay share thoughts on the value of relationships and how to build stronger bonds that can last a lifetime’
One of the great lessons of life is that relationships matter. When built on a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect, they stand the test of time. They are incredible assets to be valued and cherished. Assets that can be relied upon especially in times of need or periods of stress. So many times, in the moment – it’s easy to overlook the ‘relationship’ when in the midst of a transaction or when in a hurry. But it’s in these times, it’s so very important to pause, take a moment, perhaps a breath – and think about how best to honor the relationship in whatever action you may be planning. Relationships are fundamental to the human experience, shaping our emotional and psychological landscapes. They provide us with a sense of belonging and security, acting as anchors during life’s storms. At the core of these bonds lies a shared understanding and empathy that enables individuals to confront challenges together, making them more manageable. Whether they are familial ties, friendships, or romantic partnerships, nurturing deep interpersonal relationships is essential not only for personal fulfillment but also for mental and emotional stability. Take, for instance, the story of Maria and her grandmother, who shared a close bond throughout Maria's upbringing. When Maria faced the challenges of adolescence, including academic pressures and social anxieties, it was her grandmother's unwavering support that provided a safe space for her to express her feelings. Their nightly talks over tea became a routine that helped Maria navigate her struggles while instilling confidence in her abilities. This deep relationship not only strengthened Maria’s resilience during tough times but also fostered a lifelong connection that continued to guide her into adulthood. Maria often reflects on these moments, acknowledging that her grandmother’s wisdom and love acted as a cornerstone for her ability to cope with future challenges. Similarly, in a professional context, the partnership between two coworkers, Jake and Sarah, illustrates the importance of strong working relationships. Tasked with a demanding project that was critical for their company, they initially faced hurdles due to differing work styles and communication gaps. However, recognizing their shared goals, they dedicated time to develop their partnership by fostering open dialogue and collaboration. Over time, their relationship blossomed into a trusted alliance, enabling them to navigate stress and uncertainty together. Their ability to lean on each other not only led to the project's success but also cultivated a supportive work environment that motivated their colleagues to strengthen their own relationships, demonstrating that the value of connection extends beyond the immediate duo. In communities, strong relationships often serve as the bedrock of resilience during crises. Consider the aftermath of natural disasters, where neighborhoods come together to support one another in rebuilding efforts. These bonds, formed through shared experiences and mutual aid, create networks of trust that are invaluable during challenging times. Residents who may not have previously interacted often forge meaningful connections as they work side-by-side, sharing resources and expertise. These newfound relationships turn into lasting friendships, ensuring that the community is not only resilient in the face of adversity but also equipped with a support system that extends well beyond the crisis. Ultimately, relationships act as enduring assets that transcend moments of difficulty. They offer emotional capital that can be drawn upon in times of need, providing comfort, guidance, and strength. The value of these connections must be recognized and actively cultivated, as they can profoundly influence our lives, shaping not only how we cope with challenges but also how we celebrate our successes. Strengthening relationships—in all forms—should be a priority, for they are the ties that bind us together, enriching our lives and providing a steadfast foundation to navigate the complexities of existence.
This week we are delighted to highlight a wonderful couple and true leaders in the fostering of strong relationships, Nick Manluccia and Lamees Alshawkani. Together, they are the founders of Relationship Fortitude, a philosophy and methodology that is helping countless individuals build positive relationships that can stand the test of time. They are an inspirational couple but are each also highly accomplished in their own right, live interesting lives and are immensely generous in their desire to help others. Nick loves thinking about how people think. He works as a User Experience Researcher at Google, and holds a Master's in Psychology from New York University, where he moonlights as an adjunct instructor. Lamees values clarity and transparency. She is a practicing doctor of optometry in New York's Soho neighborhood, where patients love her active listening and caring bedside manner. She is also a fashion entrepreneur focused on her clean, sustainable clothing brand, Sailaal. How they met and how their relationship has flourished serves as a testament to others. They met in Bermuda back in 2019, but the timing wasn't quite right. Lamees lived in New York City and wasn't looking for a relationship. Nick lived in London,and was dating someone at the time. But they stayed in touch and reconnected during the pandemic. Their first date? A 24-hour turnaround trip from NYC to Miami, to catch a boat party hosted by their Bermuda friends. Unfortunately, they missed their flight because as they later described, ‘we were too busy flirting with each other at the gate ("We called you on the loudspeaker five times," said an unsympathetic gate attendant)’ They scrambled, found another flight, and made it just as the boat started to depart. That would be the first of many challenges they’ve overcome as a couple. We thank Nick and Lamees for their leadership, their positive spirit and urge you all to learn more about their intriguing methodology, Relationship Fortitude, as truly, relationships do matter!
Quote of the Week
"In the long run, the most important thing is your reputation, and you build your reputation by building lasting relationships." -Stephen R. Covey
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