Human beings are social animals. We need another human being to take care of us since the moment we are born, in both physical and emotional forms. An infant needs his mother in order to be fed and to be held. As the infant grows his physical needs may decrease but his emotional needs tend to increase. He expects his parents to give him attention and be there for him when he is upset. Hence, a very important relationship is being formed since the moment we enter the world. As we grow, so do the number of relationships that we form with the people around us. It happens unconsciously but becomes an essential for surviving in the world.
We are complex beings with an intricate thinking pattern and a completely different way of processing emotions compared to other animals. We also posses cognitive abilities far beyond other animals such as the theory of mind. This is an important social-cognitive skill that involves the ability to think about mental states, both your own and those of others. It encompasses the ability to attribute mental states, including emotions, desires, beliefs, and knowledge. The Theory of Mind was coined by a psychologist in 1978 and before then we had been using this subconsciously. It allows us to form deeper connections even with people who do not share blood ties with us.
The Theory of Mind gives us room to understand one another which is the first step that we take in order to build important relationships with the people around us. These relationships tend to provide us support in many forms. We all need a few people in our lives who truly understand us, and are there to provide help, whenever needed.
These relationships become valuable to us and we start depending on them in order to bear through life. Sometimes, when I feel like I am drowning in my insecurities, I message my best friend and she always has a list of things to say in order to make me feel better about myself. Other times, when I have a bad day, my brother brings me my favorite snack in hopes of cheering me up. These people are not only there to help you through bad times but are also there to celebrate the good times with you, and life would be utterly miserable without people who truly get you, and possess the ability to make you laugh.
Author Sara Ilyas Dadabhoy enjoys reading and writing. She hopes that her write ups provide a fresh perspective and impact lives in a positive way.