Competition is good: it leads us to raise the bar and set higher standards for ourself that impel us to improve. This can be a great boon to one’s success, and is the driving philosophy behind Capitalism. The problem is that this competition can seep into our personal relationships, lead us to challenge our partner at times when support is needed, create demands that can sap the vitality of a relationship when people start keeping score, and even end up draining energy from our own well-being. 

Last week I started a discussion about connecting with fathers. I was not surprised to read both positive and negative responses, as people’s experience and relationship with their father varies. Not everybody had an involved, loving father. Some people may have had a downright abusive experience with their father, or never knew their father at all.