I have been contemplating the dynamics of relationships for a while.
In every relationship, the parties involved have designated roles. Whether it be between parents and children, husband and wife, employer and employee, mentor and mentee, each relationship thrives on the understanding and fulfillment of these roles.
I've observed a trend: problems in these relationships often arise when one party encroaches on the role of the other or fails to fulfill their own role effectively.
For instance, an employer will inevitably have issues with an employee who doesn't perform the expected duties or attempts to usurp the authority of the boss.
In marriage, women are traditionally expected to submit to their husbands, and men are expected to love their wives. So, what happens when a woman decides not to play her role, or when a man fails to love his wife while she fulfills her role? Conflicts will arise.
The same applies to the relationship between parents and their children.
I believe that for relationships to thrive, the parties involved need to first be aware of what's expected of them and strive to meet these expectations. Even if issues arise due to our human nature, they can be more easily resolved with a clear understanding of our roles.
So, in any relationship you find yourself in, seek to know your role and play it well.