Relationships; Character Matters

I believe one of the major indicators of wealth is not just good grades, success at work or high intelligent quotient, a key indicator of wealth is relationships. Ask yourself two questions; how many people do I know and in monetary terms, how much are they worth? If you sincerely answer those two questions you will know how wealthy you are. And because of how important your relationships are, either with your family, friends, superior, colleagues at work, and most importantly with your fiancée/fiance or spouse, You have to build your character. It is good for you to know that you shouldn't choose your friends especially someone to go into courtship with by choosing their reputation  over there character, as it is character that lays the foundation for a solid relationship. That's why in building character, both parties must be actively involved, that is, as the other is building his/her character you're building yours too. If one is building and the other is looking, then the relationship is heading towards a devastating end.
Therefore let me share with you Six Pillars of Character that you need to build and I will be sharing with you today three of these six pillars of character.

1. TRUSTWORTHINESS: this involves you having integrity, honesty, reliability and loyalty. What do I mean?
Integrity-- You must be able to stand up for what you belief and not waver and follow your conscience. Integrity also means that you be honourable and upright, to live by your principles no matter what others say, to have the courage to do what is right and to try new things even when it is hard or costly and to build and guard your reputation. And if you are a person of integrity you won't do anything wrong, neither will you lose heart if you fail or don’t get what you want.
Honesty- you must build yourself to be able to tell the truth and nothing but the truth always regardless of the consequences. It means to be sincere forthright and candid at all times. It simply means that you don't lie, under whatever circumstances nor cheat, or steal, it also means that you're not sneaky, tricky, or deceptive.
Reliability- how reliable are you? Do Keep your promises and honour your words and commitments? You must be a person that keep promises made and honour commitments. You must be dependable as well as do what you are supposed to do. It also goes to the point of returning what you borrow, pay your debts and always be on time.
Loyalty- this is being loyal to people around you. Standing by and protecting your relationship, family, friends, and even country. It is actually being a good friend as well as Looking out for those who care about you. It is Keeping secrets of those who trust you and not betray a trust.  Being loyal is also not doing anything just so others will like you. It also means that you don't ask a friend to do anything wrong or spread gossip that could hurt others.

2. RESPECT: many relationships hit the rock because of lack of respect. Respect is very important for a relationship that will last. Building your character on the pillar of respect therefore means you follow the golden rule by simply treating others the way you want to be treated. Respecting the dignity, privacy and freedom of all individuals. Value and honour all people, no matter what they can do for you or to you. It also means to respect others’ property. Practically,  take good care of property you are allowed to use and don’t take or use property without permission. Respect the autonomy of others — tell them what they should know to make good choices about their own lives. And that means you won't use or manipulate, abuse, demean or mistreat anyone.
Respect also involves that you are able to Tolerate and Accept- it means to judge others base on their character, abilities, and conduct without regard to race, religion, gender, where they live, how they dress or the amount of money they have. It means you must be tolerant, respectful and accepting of those who are different from you. Listen to others and try to understand their points of view.
Respect is also to be non-violent; that is the ability to resolve disagreements, respond to insults and deal with anger peacefully and without violence. And never to use threats or physical force to get what you want or to express anger.
And lastly, respect means you have courtesy- simply using good manners at all time. Be courteous, polite and civil to everyone. When you're courteous you won't use put-downs, insults or ridicule to embarrass or hurt others.

3. CARING. Everyone on earth needs care and we all tend to the direction where we get it the most. And this is why you must build your ability to care for people. You must show concern for others by being compassionate and empathetic. Be kind, loving, and considerate. You must also be thankful and express gratitude for what people do for you. And forgive others for their shortcomings, because no one is perfect. When you show concerns for others you won't be mean, cruel or insensitive.
Caring also requires you to be charitable and altruistic— give money, time, support, comfort without strings for the sake of making someone else’s life better, not for praise or gratitude. Help people in need.

Being trustworthy, respectful and caring are not just pillars, they are virtues that if possessed will make you a 'sweet person' and will attract people to you. Not only that, your relationships will be growing deep with each day leaving a lasting memory of love, joy, happiness and satisfaction.
Next week, I will be sharing with you the remaining 3 pillars of Character. Don't miss it and make sure you recommend this blog to someone else.

©theINSIGHT 2015

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