Unless we live under a rock, we all have to navigate relationships.

Work relationships.
Friendships.
Business relationships.
Family dynamics.
Neighbours.
Partnerships.

The more we put ourselves out into the world — whether building a business, leading a team, volunteering, parenting, or simply being part of a community — the more opportunities there are for connection.

But with connection also comes disappointment.

Miscommunication happens.

Assumptions get made.

People interpret situations differently.

Sometimes people project their own frustrations onto us.

And sometimes we find ourselves in situations we never asked to be part of, quietly wondering:

Can’t we all just get along?

Recently, a good friend shared that she is navigating a difficult situation in her neighbourhood and joked that she feels like crawling under a rock and living a life of solitude.

And lately, I’ve been navigating a few things myself.

A few moments of disappointment.

A few situations that reminded me not everyone we believe is in our corner always belongs there.

It happens.

And while our first instinct may be to withdraw, isolate, or shut people out entirely—that’s rarely the answer.

Especially in dentistry.

We work in close quarters.
Small teams.
High-pressure environments.
Strong personalities.
Different communication styles.

Relationships matter deeply in our profession.

A healthy culture can make you love where you work.
An unhealthy one can make even your dream job feel exhausting.

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things:

Not every misunderstanding requires a reaction.

Not every relationship is meant to last forever.

Boundaries are healthy.

And someone else’s behaviour is often more about what they’re carrying than it is about you.

Most importantly?

Don’t let a few difficult experiences make you retreat from relationships altogether.

There are still incredible people out there.
People who will champion you, support you, celebrate you, and communicate clearly when challenges arise.

Protect your peace—but don’t build walls so high that the right people can’t reach you.

Keep showing up.
Keep learning.
Keep leading with kindness.

And when relationships feel hard, remember:

You can be both compassionate and discerning.

Warmly,
Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President