MY RELATIONSHIP WITH 'THE OTHER'

My relationship with 'THE other'

A relationship is normally viewed as a connection between two individuals or persons. It can be independent or dependant. The persons involved may be groups, people or congregations etc. When the persons are involved it is called interpersonal relationship. People involved in a relationship tend to influence each other, share their thoughts and feelings, and engage in activities together. Because of this interdependence, things change or  at least have some kind of impact on the other. If this does not happen then, that relation is shallow or can be said to lack some basic aspects. 

In the nature, we find several kinds of relationship. Let’s analyze them whether they have anything to offer us.  

Various Kinds of Relationships in the Nature           

a.  Neutralism: describes the relationship between two species which interact but do not affect each   other. My relationship with my neighbor does not have any effect. A kind of self centered relationship. I am Ok and you are Ok, no more than this. No extra effort to know the other. ‘Going extra’ implies, some responsibilities which ‘I don’t like.’

b.      Amensalism:  Amensalism is a relationship in which a product of one organism has a negative effect on another organism. An example could be when a sheep or cattle makes trails in grass that they trample on, and without realizing, they are killing the grass. Examples of bacterial interference: - The inhibition of growth, for example the attine ants (ants Belonging to a New World tribe) are able to take advantage of an amensalistic relationship between an Actinomycete and the parasitic fungi Escovopsis. Is my charterer or my way of life causing harm or destroying the life of others?  This kind of relationship lead us to  Social Sin.

c.      Necrocism or Synnecrocism: is a particular case in which the interaction is so mutually detrimental that it results in death. This can be the Drug addiction, alcoholism, Internet surfing, sexual aberration etc. Again, One need to think that what kind of relationship one is offering to the other – ‘life-relation’ or ‘death-relation.’

d.      Antagonism: In antagonistic interactions one species benefits at the expense of another Most of our business relationships can be grouped under this category.  

e.   Symbiotic Relationship:  Like Lichen – Algae and Fungus / this is Mutual Relationship. Both get enrichment. This is a healthy relationship. But still, it is not perfect one.  Observe the Law of the Lord (for your own good) and you will be the children of God. God gives us the power to be his children.

f.   Agapeic Relationship (I – Thou relationship): A total self surrender to God, without any reservations, any demands, and any benefits. You receive the benefit freely as you get, but don’t boast of it. As you get, share with others. Thank the one who gave you.

The last relationship seldom found in the nature. In my scientific study, I never come across a better relationship than symbiotic relation. But still, it is incomplete as it involves some sort of selfishness. In higher animals like Chimpanzees there is a sense of belongingness to the other where, the weaker ones totally surrender the stronger one. Or at least the child tightly clings on to the mother. It is here, I draw the sixth kind of relationship. Therefore, what I feel is, there is a need for us conscious human beings to transcend beyond previous five kinds of relationships exercised by unconscious beings.