We are all participants in a variety of relationships, and the most important one is - the relationship we have with our self.

When we are feeling good about who we are, in the core of our being, and a curve ball comes our way we are less likely to lose our equilibrium.

Life has a way of throwing us different types of balls, and our deepest beliefs about ourselves can affect our fielding ability .
 
Understanding is a most basic human need, to feel connected to the significant people in our lives i.e., a child to a parent; an adult to a partner; an adult child with their parent(s); friend to friend; coworker to coworker; employee to manager; and manager to supervisees. 

Relationships can provide opportunities for learning and sharing; nurturing and expressing caring; for valuing and loving; comforting and supporting; and joining efforts to work on a project or to reach a goal.

The quality of relationships can not help but evolve as the people develop and mature.

Our connections with Others in our lives can be secure, ambivalent or anxious, insecure or detached.

Many factors influence the quality of connectedness people experience in their relationships.

Two of the most significant factors affecting the quality of relationships are: