Do Relationships Have an Expiry Date? Reflect, Rekindle, or Release
Rajesh Krishnan
Change Facilitator, Organizational Change Ambassador, Wordsmith in the Making, Strategic Story Alchemist and Moto Aficionado.
I was stunned to learn my new pillow had an expiry date. Expiry dates for food and medication? Sensible. But pillows? Underwear? Toothbrushes? It felt absurd, yet oddly practical. Things inevitably wear out, lose their purpose, or simply stop being useful. As I wrestled with this concept, an unsettling thought crossed my mind: could the same be true for relationships?
Research paints a poignant picture. As we grow older, our social circles tend to shrink. Careers, diverging interests, or the slow erosion of time quietly distance us from people we once held close. How many relationships in your life have quietly faded, not with a dramatic fight but through silence? Worse, how many relationships persist only out of habit, long past their prime? These questions carry a weight that’s hard to ignore.
But here’s the hopeful part: unlike pillows, relationships don’t have to end up in the trash. Sometimes, all it takes is a call, a shared laugh, or an overdue apology to breathe life back into a connection. While not every bond can—or should—be revived, some may surprise you with their resilience.
So, take a moment to reflect: which relationships are worth the effort? Remember, even sour milk can be turned into cheese with the right care.
Talent Enhancement Consultant| Leadership & Capability Development | DEI Catalyst | Mentor | Vice Chair 2024–25 CII Indian Women Network Telangana| Certified Independent Director IDDB-NR-202104-034350
1 个月We seek the right pillow to offer us the best comfort - too hard and it results in a pain in the neck, too soft and you feel unsupported, too few and you feel lost, too many and you feel stifled. Similarly, we seek the right support from relationships based on where we are in life. The best relationships are the ones that are flexible, without an agenda and vary the level of support they offer.
Print and Digitisation specialist for Education | Building Partnerships in Cricket | Toastmasters| Australia, Middle East & India | MBA |
1 个月Thanks for sharing, Rajesh! Over the years—school, uni, work, marriage—I've realized good relationships aren't about daily chats but being present when it counts. Friendships aren't always equal, and if one feels one-sided, it might be time to reassess and I do not feel there is an expiry date for it. Tech like FB and WhatsApp makes it so easy to rekindle bonds—just a quick ‘How are you?’ can go a long way. Sorry for the long comment, but this is a topic I could talk about forever!
Executive Coach, Engagement Specialist & Creator of the Serendipity Engine card deck
1 个月I ready Robin Dunbar's "Friends" a couple of years ago - a great insight into how we build and maintain relationships...
Business Leader - Exec Coach - Presenter - Collaborator
1 个月One of my favourite Rumi quotes Rajesh: "Between what is said and not meant, and what is meant and not said, love is lost". Thanks for the reminder.
Gas utility expert in optimum asset management, profit maximisation, safety and regulatory risks reduction
1 个月Good thoughts! Pillow’s expiry date is suggested by the manufacturer in expeythat pillow will get contaminated with bodily fluids and particles to the point of becoming a health hazard. Same with human relationships although in that instance, other ?fluids” may be contaminating friendships. Problem is that in relationships there is not a single manufacturer but there is a dispersed responsibility which may result in no care on either side