Why does humankind have to work so hard at forming, retaining and sustaing relationships?

It is human nature for us to want to be "right" and "win" as much as possible, whenever something that matters to us is at stake. This competitive nature of ours is always going to induce conflict. That conflict can range from being something very subtle to something openly hostile.

There are also people on the extreme ends of this scale - Some people want to "win at all costs", regardless of who they hurt, step on, or exploit. Some people work to find "win - win" solutions, trying to make sure others don't have to lose in order for them to win. And some people immediately take the losing end of a "win - lose" situation simply because they want to avoid all conflict, which is how they see themselves as "winning".

Humans have to "work hard" at maintaining relationships, simply because all of us are unique individuals. Humans have to adapt their behavior in order to "deal with" all sorts of different attitudes, beliefs, personalities, values, morals, preferences... etc.

People change as they live and grow or stagnate and deteriorate. People do not remain the same throughout life, so relationships should be flexible enough to adjust to how people change. Some people are clingers and are afraid of change and won't change themselves. I think these people give rise to the notion that one has to "work hard" at relationships.

Choux

There are no happy endings.