Why Do We Wait? The Importance of Mending Relationships Before It’s Too Late
Good morning, ladies!
I was working from home yesterday, with the TV on in the background, and I caught a part of Loose Women where they were discussing aging as women. It really got me thinking, especially when Janice shared a personal story about her relationship with her sister. She mentioned that they’d always been at odds her whole life, constantly clashing with each other, and never had a close relationship.
cr: Loose Women - sky.com
I could really relate because I also have a sister who’s five years younger than me, and while our relationship has it's smelly moments, I sometimes wish we were closer. Now, I know many of you will understand how relationships with siblings can be a little... complicated, right? But Janice's story took a turn that left me reflecting. She explained that it wasn't until her sister was diagnosed with cancer that they became extremely close. The relationship transformed, but sadly, her sister passed away soon after.
This made me stop and ask myself: Why is it that many people only try to mend relationships at the end of a life?
I've heard this so many times on TV shows, documentaries, even in everyday conversations. A family member or close friend is near death, and suddenly, there’s an attempt to patch up old wounds. And to be honest, it triggers something in me. Why do we wait until someone is literally on their deathbed to reconcile? What is it about the ticking clock that makes us want to make amends? Why don't people value others when their healthy and alive?
The Complexities of Family Relationships
Let’s be real for a moment, if you’ve spent years distant from someone, why wait until they’re dying to feel compelled to fix things? If you didn’t care enough to do it while they were healthy, why pretend it would matter at the end? Sometimes, it just comes off as fake, don't you think? The reality is, when that happens, it often feels more like the person making up with you is doing it for their own peace of mind or out of guilt for the things they never fixed during the good years.
Why Do We Wait Until It's Too Late?
And that’s exactly what I’m questioning here: Why do we wait for someone to be on their deathbed to say, "I should have been there for them"? People wait until there’s no time left, and it feels almost too little, too late.
I know, I know! Some of you might think I’m being too harsh. But if we’re being honest, isn’t it the truth? Isn't the feeling of guilt just as much about the person seeking reconciliation as it is about the relationship they’re trying to heal? If you've been holding on to old wounds for years, what's suddenly changed now?
What You Can Do Now: Time Is Precious
If you’ve been thinking about mending a broken relationship or reaching out to someone you’ve drifted apart from, now’s the time to do it! You don’t need to wait until someone’s days are numbered to open the door for healing.
Here are a few tips on how to reconnect in a meaningful way:
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Communicate Honestly: So often we avoid tough conversations. If you feel the need to reconnect, don’t shy away from honesty. Speak from the heart, even if it feels uncomfortable. What can you lose really?
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Apologise Sincerely: If the distance was caused by misunderstandings or hurt feelings, start with a simple, heartfelt apology. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it has to be sincere.
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Act Now! Time Won’t Wait: Don’t overthink or put off what you can do today. Time is precious, and if this person matters to you, show them, show yourself that you care while you still can.
A Heartfelt Moment
Research actually shows that people who have strong, positive relationships live longer and experience less stress. So it's not just emotionally fulfilling to reconcile, it’s healthy for you too! Imagine how much better it would feel to leave all those old hurt feelings in the past. The energy you'll free up off your shoulders from doing so is priceless.
Don't Wait Until It’s Too Late
As I’ve said, if your heart tells you to reach out, do it now. Don’t let the passing of time keep you from doing something you’ll regret not doing later.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s thought about these things, so tell me: Have you ever tried reconnecting with someone you hadn’t spoken to for years? What happened? Or have you been hesitant to make that first move?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, I’d love to hear your stories and how you feel about this! And if you know someone who’s waiting for that perfect moment to make amends, maybe share this post with them as a reminder that the best time to heal things is right now. Thanks for reading, Ciao!
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