RELATIONSHIPS August 5, 2002 Issue

Designed to be unselfish

By Lois Rae Carlson

One of the keys to good relationships is the willingness to be unselfish. Whether they're with families or neighborhoods, at work, or in romance, relationships are enriched and progressive when we think beyond ourselves and when we try to understand someone else's point of view. That's why we often give so much to our best friends—we understand where they're coming from. This kind of thinking is also what makes us connect with complete strangers, even if it's just gracefully letting someone cut into our traffic lane.

But unselfishness is often a stretch for people. It seems that much of life demands that we look out for our own interests. At times, thinking more about others than ourselves can almost seem like a luxury.

Still, I believe we're actually designed to be unselfish. I know there have been times when I've found it such an incredible relief to think of how to help others without focusing on myself.