Investing in a relationship is more than merely being there with kindness when the other shows up.

It is about reaching out, it is about preparing and anticipating, it is about giving and taking, it is about having difficult conversations, accepting criticism, opening yourself to a view that is not yours. It is about making that extra effort to be still there, with kindness, when the other is not around.

It takes time, it takes effort, it takes resources.

But if you do not invest in relationships, you will be left on your own.