The illusion of Relevance: Why True Relationships Matter More.

In today's social media-driven world, it's easy to confuse fleeting connections with genuine relationships. People often prioritize relevance over meaningful relationships, seeking to associate with influential individuals or gain access to exclusive circles. This superficial focus on status and position can lead to shallow connections, lacking the depth and authenticity that true relationships require.

Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Gbem. She was charismatic, friendly, and always willing to lend a helping hand. As a result, she had a large social circle and was often invited to high-profile events.

One day, Gbem met a successful businesswoman named Sophie, who was admired by many for her achievements. They exchanged numbers, and Sophie started showering Gbem with praise and attention on social media. Gbem was flattered and felt honored to be associated with someone so influential.

However, as time passed, Gbem realized that Sophie only reached out to her when she needed something or wanted to boost her own image. Their conversations were shallow, and Sophie showed no genuine interest in Gbem's life or struggles. Gbem felt like she was just a prop in Sophie's game of relevance.

Meanwhile, Gbem had another friend, Rachel, who was a quiet and unassuming person. Rachel didn't have a large following or a high-profile job, but she was always there for Gbem, listening to her problems and offering support. Rachel didn't seek to gain anything from their friendship; she simply cared for Gbem as a person.

One day, Gbem faced a personal crisis and needed someone to talk to. Sophie was nowhere to be found, but Rachel was there, offering a listening ear and a comforting presence. Gbem realized that Rachel was a true friend, someone who valued their relationship over social media likes or status.

Gbem learned a valuable lesson that day: that true relationships are built on mutual love, trust, and support, not on external validation or relevance. She began to invest more time in nurturing her friendship with Rachel and other genuine connections, rather than chasing superficial relationships with people who only sought to elevate their own status.

From then on, Gbem's social circle may have shrunk, but her relationships became more meaningful and fulfilling. She learned to appreciate the beauty of true relationships over the superficial allure of relevance.

RELATIONSHIP is beautiful: "loving the unlovable, caring for the most difficult, and showing up when there is no social media post to show or like." This captures the essence of genuine relationships, built on mutual support, trust, and care, rather than external validation or status.

We need to start asking the right question: Are we cultivating meaningful relationships or chasing relevance? It's a reflection we should all consider, as it can help us refocus on nurturing authentic connections and investing in people, rather than just their titles or status.

Here are some lessons that can be learned from the story:

1. True relationships are more valuable than superficial connections.

2. Prioritize depth over breadth in your relationships.

3. Be cautious of people who only reach out when they need something.

4. Authenticity and genuineness are essential in building meaningful relationships.

5. Don't confuse social media likes and followers with true friendships.

6. Invest in people who care about you beyond your online presence.

7. Superficial relationships may elevate your status temporarily, but they won't bring long-term fulfillment.

8. Nurture relationships with people who support and encourage you unconditionally.

9. Don't sacrifice meaningful connections for the sake of relevance or status.

10. Focus on building relationships that transcend social media and online platforms.

Remember, true relationships are the foundation of a happy and fulfilling life. Prioritize them wisely!

Written by @OBAAdeyemiO