Authenticity Begins at Home: The Essence of True Relationships

Life is not just for the individual but for all mankind. We do not exist for our self alone; rather, we exist in relation to others, for human nature is a relational nature. We need each other to build a bigger, richer life.
Once one is in a community—whether it has whatever problems it may have—one’s responsibility is to be the best one can. Satisfaction cannot be sought only outside the immediate environment on the sacrifice of inner satisfaction within the community. No matter how effective and effective one can be, a lack of satisfaction and peace within one’s inner circle renders outside efforts futile and egotistical.
Consider a young lady, for instance, who coexists with her brothers. She rarely smiles within the family and does not connect easily with them. Her humor tends to be on their cost—they are objects she targets using what she has of an advantage. However, if positions are opposite and jokes similar in nature are aimed at her, she does not take kindly to it and is not in a position to reciprocate the very offer she offers to others.
Her brothers are confused by the contrast: outside the home, she is friendly and warm—a wit and a kind soul. Strangers report that she is charitable, always happy to lend a helping hand. But within the household, she is a different individual altogether. Within the home, she is hot-tempered, quick to strike at any offense, like a lioness stalking her quarry.
Disappointing is that relationships today are too often built outside of one rather than developing from the heart. Harmony must begin at home, for what one sees of the world depends on the intimacy of one’s immediate surroundings. “Charity begins at home” is the saying. Joy and sincerity of life should therefore begin within and radiate outwards—not in the reverse way.