Building Relationships Published Dec. 18, 2015 By MSgt. Kelvin King 908th Airlift Wing MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, ALA. -- Relationships can be a very fulfilling experience. Some can be very positive and some can be, unfortunately, just the opposite. The key to having positive relationships is to have insight on the background of the people we meet which is not always readily available. Also establishing a rapport will help to make conversations that would not otherwise take place. People having various backgrounds, locations, race, religious beliefs and other diverse differences can be challenging to say the least. But, like almost everything in life worth having, needs to be nurtured and time has to be spent to create meaningful relationships. Another stumbling block is having time to build on these types of relationships. With social media, smartphones and other similar electronic devices, the personal touch fades more and more. This type of communication is difficult to read at times because the personal effect of eye contact is lost. Speaking on the phone to someone can sometimes give insight into the person's mood by the words used and the emphases on the words used in speaking, but texting, on the other hand, can be misread on what the person is trying to communicate. Relationships can be built and be more meaningful when the parties involved have common interests. Examples are sports, hunting, fishing, and swimming, going to see that new movie that has just been released, shopping, and other activities of leisure. Relationships can be built easily and be most rewarding when we volunteer time to help on a project such as clearing brush in constructing a trail for runners in the local community, volunteering time to help Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, Salvation Army and other non-profit organizations. Relationships are extremely important and the approaching holiday season is a great time to take a look at the relationships we have which can last throughout our lives.