In the current climate of Brexit and Covid-19, the divide in opinions has seeped into even the closest of relationships, turning once harmonious interactions into tense and conflict-ridden exchanges. Friends who once enjoyed spirited debates now find themselves unable to see eye to eye, while families are torn apart by ideology and differing attitudes towards these major events.

Based on divisions within Governments and in the UK, the UK Government's handling on Brexit and Covid-19, they have single handedly managed to divide people and opinions. As a result, relationships are now based on transactions more than they are on mutual respect, understanding and personal bonds.

Relationships where "NPD" – Narcissistic Personality Disorder is prevalent, those relationships will also be transactional.

Transactional relationships are based on exchange of favours

Transactional relationships, relationships that are based on reciprocation, involve a clear give-and-take dynamic, where individuals engage with each other with the expectation of receiving something in return. When it comes to transactional relationships, it is important to avoid resentment, and point-scoring.

The focus is on specific needs

Sadly, transactional relationships are not driven by genuine emotional connections or deep personal bonds. Instead, the focus is on having specific needs met and achieving certain goals through mutual exchanges.

Transactional relationships include:

Networking relationships

Interactions with acquaintances or colleagues primarily aimed at advancing one's professional or personal interests, such as career opportunities, job referrals, or business partnerships.

Transactional Relationships

Where individuals maintain friendships primarily for the benefits they receive, such as social status, access to resources, or emotional support during challenging times.

Emotionally transactional relationship

Interactions where individuals provide emotional support or companionship in exchange for attention, validation, or other emotional needs being met in return.

Serving practical purposes

While transactional relationships serve practical purposes, they lack the depth and authenticity found in genuine, emotionally connected relationships. Transactional relationships are based around superficiality and insincerity.

In today's society, being right or or winning arguments has become even more important than prioritising the health and wellbeing of relationships. By fostering empathy and understanding, even in the face of differing opinions on things like Brexit and Covid-19, society can work towards bridging divides and maintaining strong and healthy relationships, even in these challenging times.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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