Is there such a thing as a selfless relationship?

I don't think any relationship is entirely free of selfishness; although some are more selfless than others. As I see it, the greatest antidote to selflessness is compassionate love. And most of us are capable of this at times. For example, if someone we love very very dearly is suffering, we can find ourselves at times experiencing a pity or compassion compassion so intense that it could be said to be selfless. Most of us have experienced this, I think. There have been times when I personally have felt such tender mercy for someone I love when they are in pain or suffering that my own self has barely been in it as I see it. Then it passes: and we go back into survival mode.

You do have a point a mother and fathers relationship can be the most selfless, but I also believe that when it comes to a husband and a wife it can be selfless as well. I guess it really all depends on the type of relationship a wife and husband has. Speaking personally I believe that my relationship with my hubby is selfless.

Mother relationships no doubt are supreme and non debated. Because it formed natural whether expected or accidental and the relationship continued long...long...and long. But other relationships are arranged or formed for some purpose and motive, hence they are and should be selfish. They contract a relationship for specific purpose and motive and discharge duties limited to their satisfaction and expectations they derive from that relationship and can't sacrifice beyond their limits. All relationships can't be bundled as same but there may be some exceptions.

I think that everybody is selfish at some point during their life, and nobody would stay in a relationship that they weren't happy with unless they were scared to leave for some reason. A lot of the time, people will stay together for their children but I think that can often do more bad than good because of the fact that they would have to watch their parents arguing all of the time when that just isn't the best thing for them at all. I think that the relationship of a Mother to her child is always selfless, and she will always put them first for as long as she lives.

I do believe that the child and parent relationship can be truly selfless; I was not aware of this until I became a mother. I can honestly say that I love my child unconditionally and selflessly. In regards to the love relationship I have with my husband it is different although I love him very much. I find that male-female relationships usually come with expectations and boundaries and the bond is not always as natural as the parental one.

there is no such things in life... just show your love and go ahead...

I don't reallyknow for sure. My track record of love would indicate that there is not a selfless relationship. I would like to think that some couples can practise being selfness in reality. My ex husband was was very self centred when communicating to me.. not with me, but too me. Guess I was selfish too, as I didn't want much to do with his terrible kids after they did somethiong very bad to my daughter.

I think it depends on the parents. There are some fathers that love more than the mother. There is such a thing as selfless love.It happens when both people put their partner first Always. It is rare but it is possible.

Everyone has a selfish nature. A mother is more often choose relented, and do anything for her child. I disagree, if a mother is a selfish relationship. Mother would do the best for their children. If there is something bad, a mother will give advice to children. Sometimes a mother's advice, often regarded as a selfish mother.

dear anna, Selfless relationship? I am not certain with any other relationship, but a parent-kid relationship is unquestionable. Not to mention a mother's love. Indeed a father's love is second best, thu some father's love their kids more than a mother can give. Nice to see you again dear anna

I don't think there can be such a thing as a selfless relationship. what is the point of being in a relationship with someone if you are only going to think of your wants and needs?

No all mother - children relationship are selfless. Some mothers use their children to gain something for the family, for herself and for fame. But you are right, if you are trying to look for a selfless relationship, you can find it in a mother-child relationship.

yes you are right. Mothers are selfless-well some are. Some manipulate their children in a way no one will understand their intentions. Husbands and wives are selfish, but as my sis in law says, grown ups marry, so it not easy to change mental attitudes fast and adapt to the partners points of view all of a sudden. It is all a matter of convienience and adjustment.

to some extent all relations are selfish,we needn't go deep we will cry because in the world all are selfish. Better we don't expect anything from others then only we get peacefulness. .

I do believe there are enough selfless realtionships. But those kind of people attrack abusers who use them. So in the end (years later) the selfless person finds out he/she is out of energy and broke in every way. Personally I don't believe it's a bad thing to be selfish also I do believe many people are not selfish enough at all. If they really would be selfish they would take better care of themselves and feel way more happy. A selfish person doesn't need somebody elses love or approvement because he/she knows how he/she is and loves his life the way it is. The examples you give in your discussion and you call selfish and "give something back" I call normal. It's normal to respond to someone you love and to give back love, affection, care. If this is already paying/giving something back for you, you don't know what love means. And you are what I call a very selfish person! You find it normal to only receive and abuse others in the (false/so called) name of love???

i don't think there is ever a selfless relationship. for the very reason that human beings are made to survive - survival instinct. and with survival instinct, our priority is our self. no matter how we try to love without expecting anything in return, we can't because our system tells us that we should have something in return for what we do.