A study found that the main source of true happiness is none other than relationships. As we know though, there is no relationship that is perfect and there is no relationship that has not been tested. The typical questions when it comes to strained relationships:

• Is it time to let go or do I hold on?
• Should I stay or should I go?
• Do I stay around and is it time to say goodbye?

Yes, we commit mistakes, we have our own bad side, we sin, we are envious, we make wrong decisions, we are self-centered, we think differently and so in the process, relationships can be strained.  

The Gospel talks about how to deal with strained relationships and there are three things we should remember:

1. Openness to improve oneself. None of us are perfect as we all have our shortcomings. May we be open to continuing to improve ourselves. We should not say, “I was born this way and thus you should accept me for who am I.” The first step to this is forgiveness and healing. Many of the hurts we carry since childhood have to be processed so that forgiveness and healing can follow. 
2. Openness to save the relationship. It always takes two in a relationship. All the joys, it takes two. All the misery, it takes two. Hence both parties should be open to saving the relationship. Otherwise, it will not last. This is where prayer comes in: Guide me Lord in this relationship. 
3. Openness to listen to others. While it is true that no one knows a person more than himself or herself, there are things too, that other people see that we may not be conscious or aware of. Hence we should have the humility to listen to others on their fraternal correction.

May we realize that people come into our lives for a reason and purpose. 

• Some taught us how to love, some taught how to forgive
• Some taught us how to be vulnerable, some taught us tough love
• Some made us happy when they were around, some made us happy when they left
• Some blessed our lives, some made us wiser and stronger because of the chaos they created in our lives
• Some forever will be remembered, some how we wished we had forgotten.

Yet in all of these, forgiveness and healing to improve oneself, prayer and guidance to stay or go, and humility in listening to make one better.