Remember the value of precious relationships
One of the early lessons you are taught in eco-nomics is the difference between price and value. Unfortuna-tely, we always remember what price is but we soon forget everything we have learnt about value. That is the reason for the famous saying: that we know the price of most things, but the value of nothing.
When I speak of value here, I am referring to the value of human beings and relationships. We all know the value of expensive objects, such as Harry Winston solitaires, Tiffany jewellery, Cartier pens, Mikimoto pearls, Audemars Piguet watches, Rolls Royce cars etc. But most of us do not realise the value of a loving spouse, caring parents or affectionate children. And sadly, many of us will never realise that value until it is too late.
I recalled the lesson of value when I remembered a couple I have known for many years. The husband is a corporate type and his wife is a very accomplished writer who is also a very good cook, keeps a great house and is also a hands-on mother to her two growing up kids. You will think I am exaggerating her virtues, but I am not. They have been married for over 15 years and nowadays the husband keeps complaining about trivial matters concerning his wife. Not that he is professionally envious of her; on the contrary he is very supportive of her writing talent and never hesitates to promote her. Yet, there is sometimes irritation in his voice.
One day when he made a wry face and sarcastic comment at the extra ghee she had put on his dosa over breakfast, to which I had been invited, I told him plainly that he actually did not value his wife. I reminded him of her invaluable contribution to his life as a responsible spouse, as a home-maker and as a loving mother to his children. And I also reminded him about the status she brings to his dull corporate circle as a talented writer in her own right and as a charming hostess. My friend did not exactly choke on his dosa, but I could see that I had hit him at a sensitive spot. He kept silent. Many moments later, when sipping his coffee, he muttered, “I think you have a point there, Anupam. I have never really realised her value the way you have put it.”
I have noticed this issue of value among many people I meet. They are all swept by the emotions that are currently raging in their minds. The boss is thinking of his assistant’s latest gaffe, never the many times when the assistant has slogged to turn in an excellent presentation. The son is thinking of his aged father’s irritating forgetfulness; not of the care his father lavished on him for decades.
But there is always life and living beyond the present in every relationship. And it is the larger picture which we must refer to, for a sense of value. So value everyone you love, as you start each day. It is a great beginning; and you can never go wrong.
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