Every human relationship is based on mutual benefit, it always comprises of two people who can benefit something specific off each other and therefore choose to invest in the relationship in a bid to continue benefiting from it.
For example people in romantic relationships may benefit from one of the following. Companionship, physical intimacy, financial support, Love, and attention. but unless both parties are fully aware of what they’re benefitting from that relationship and invest in it enough to enable the other partner to benefit as well the relationship is most likely doomed to fail.
This is not only true of romantic relationships, a parent might terminate their relationship with their child if it becomes glaringly obvious that they cannot benefit even the basic minimum of being proud of their child.
The point of this article is not just to explain human relationships as ventures depending on mutual benefits but to encourage the reader to “Pay their dues” in every relationship and not be a parasite.
When a person is a parasite instead of a partner the relationship is one-sided, the parasite leeches off its partner and takes as much as it can benefit from the relationship without offering anything reasonable in return.
A romantic parasite might benefit from physical intimacy, love, and financial support without offering as much as genuine love and affection to their partner.
A parasitic friend might demand support, attention, and companionship from their comrades without ever being willing to show up for them in return.
A parasitic child might leech of his/her family for as long as possible without ever being able to contribute to the family's growth.
Every human relationship is give and take, no matter how little your contribution to the relationship is, you have to be willing to pay your dues!!!
It is even more imperative to ensure that you are not being leeched off by parasitic people. I had a new co-worker who constantly required my help to complete her daily assignments but was unwilling to be of any actual use to me, she wouldn't contribute during brainstorms, she wouldn't share work-related content on her page, she wouldn't attend any company events she was not required to but she was happy to benefit from the perks of working with the company. She would mooch off as many free tickets for shows as possible, she would pitch her business to clients she met on the job and she would still not contribute to the work that allowed the company to provide those perks...parasitic behavior.
I have a very wealthy mentor who I depend on for guidance as I navigate the Nigerian entertainment industry, he has everything he could need and he never asks for help with anything, I had to learn to do whatever I could within my reach even though I was well aware that he didn't need it but when we spoke about it eventually, he admitted that the effort was highly appreciated and made him feel like our relationship wasn't entirely one-sided.
Individuals will get the most out of any relationship once they can establish honestly the reasons for pursuing the relationship, what they stand to benefit and what the other party could benefit from it as well. They are then required to ensure that as they begin to benefit from the said relationship, the other party Can benefit as well.
Take our relationship with the Hive blockchain for example, if the network wasn't beneficial to you one way or the other you might not be as willing to invest your time, effort, and resources. And because it benefits us we need to do our part by contributing to the blockchain as much as possible to ensure its growth and advancement.
You have to pay your dues in every relationship.
Don't be a parasite.
P.s this entire post was inspired by this picture I took during a routine run around my estate...as well as my many failed relationships.