Some sound advice on relationships that was once shared to me was “In life you’ll realize there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you. “
We should value relationships that will truly inspire and motivate us. Relationships should bring out the best in us and if these qualities are no longer present, we should accept that it’s time to let go.
Marivic Rufino, artist-writer, Red Cross Makati vice chair
Here’s the best advice and blessing given to me by Father Nico Matias Sengson, my spiritual adviser and dear friend (from Paris and Montreal): “Synchronicity par excellence, but most of all, harmony in the very love of God!
“This should be the first day of the rest of your life, dear friend... Always count on my fraternal words and prayers. (I’m extremely glad for you. You’ve been through a lot.) But since your heart belongs — first of all — to God’s love, God in turn has given this reality called peace and love. Brace yourself for the coming times, not for problems, but for the energy and force that life will offer you. Stay young. Let your art guide your heart. Light forever to you, dear Mav.â€
Kuh Ledesma, singer, actress
Always forgive and forget — all of us are flawed and it is through our mistakes that we gain wisdom.
Aliyah Parcs, vocal artist/composer/events host
Never love and respect him more than yourself (except your children).
Bernie M. Aboitiz, youth education Advocate, NGO-The Lord Who Cares Foundation
Seeking out answers and life advice from my Women’s Devotional Bible. For it says that when I experience making amends, it demands a great deal from us. But, as in all of the steps of spiritual growth, we receive back more than we give. It’s important to recognize that we will not always be rewarded with restored relationships. But our task is to make amends, not to anticipate how others will respond. Regardless of how people respond, it is a rich reward to experience serenity that comes from saying, “I blew it. I harmed you. I am sorry.†Making amends can lead to spiritual growth, whether or not the process has any effect on others. We need to remember that we are powerless and that God is powerful.
Carla Larrazabal del Prado, housewife
The best pieces of advice I’ve received regarding relationships are the following: Don’t sleep over a problem. Make sure that communication is clear and good. Respect and trust each other. Put God as the center of the relationship. Be open-minded and flexible. And most of all, be wise and keep away from people who are negative and tend to put you down and can be detrimental to your health and the relationships you value.
Jessica Guevarra Everingham, homemaker
Love like you never did before. Laugh a lot. Be honest with one another and communicate when something is wrong. Do not sleep on unresolved issues. Forgive and forget.
Rajo Laurel, designer
The best relationships are like columns holding up a strong fortress — one must have space in order for it not to crumble. Not too near as it will topple and yet not too far for it will fall. I always think that one must always consider the “baby bear†philosophy...which is not too hot, not too cold — it has to be just right!
Dada Lorenzana Santiago, curator, CoolBrands Philippines
The best relationship advice I received was from my good friend, marriage and family counselor Maribel Dionisio. She told me to always put my husband first. That was at a time when I was putting my two kids before anyone else. She reminded me that when the kids are grown up and on their own, it will just be the two of us again. Maribel also told me what a man needs. They are: an attractive spouse; admiration; domestic support; recreational companionship; and sexual fulfillment.
Macky Mathay, businessman
Best relationship advice would be not from someone but from experience. Experience is and will always be the best teacher. We just have to remember all the time that nothing is perfect in our world, being in a relationship with someone means that you perfect each other’s imperfections. Yin and yang. I’ve learned that being in a relationship means you have to give and not only get. You have to listen and not just hear. You have to adjust and not demand your partner to change. It’s a learning process but a beautiful one if you’re with the right person. If not, it can be hell. That’s why I thank God every day for giving me my wife. The yin to my yang.
Faith Amigo, Ladty M Confections, Royce Confect, USA
The best relationship advice I’ve ever received was from my mom. She always said to go through life dancing to our own beat. Every relationship is different so we should listen to what makes ours dance. My personal advice to add to this is to embrace all of life’s adventures… every twist and turn, all the banca and hot air balloon rides!
Markus Schmidt, exporter
The best relationship advice I ever got was to get married. I always said it’s just a paper and it’s not important. But my friends convinced me. So we did get married in August last year. Because we wanted to and because we could. Same-sex marriage is possible in Germany. And I must admit it does feel different. Even after 20 years. No regrets. I wish this will be possible in the Philippines too some day. Everybody deserves to be happy and to choose.