How to build authentic relationships?

Br. MichaelDavide Semeraro

In a world that so often trivialises emotions and the body, how can we build authentic, respectful relationships that are capable of growing over time? I ask this because I see my teenage daughter completely absorbed by the ways of thinking and interacting that dominate the internet, and I worry about how to guide her towards more respectful and mature relationships. J.S. Your concern is entirely well-founded. Personally, I am glad not to be in your shoes, as I would find it very difficult to relate to the way younger people navigate the world of relationships and feelings nowadays. From what I can see through meeting the young people who visit the monastery, I believe that rather than trying to “straighten them out”, we need to walk alongside them; and before we try to “direct” them, we must listen to them and show them trust. I can sense how difficult this must be! Nonetheless, it is vital to make young people feel at ease so that they can grow and become capable of opening themselves up to relationships of genuine humanity and joyful love. A classic piece of litera- ture might help here: Rainer Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young…