Typically, in a relationship, there are certain rituals, modalities of behavior and etiquette, through which an average person is able to show mutuality, affection, compassion, respect, fulfillment of expectation, etc. These expressions cement and nurture our communal life. Beyond these matters, for people who accept spiritual transcendence, there are certain mutual rights and duties that bind them into brotherhood. In being kind and considerate to such others in certain specific ways, one bends one’s will to the Will of the Almighty. That is truly an act of submission or worship for it meets with His expectation and consequently garners His pleasure.
To say the least, people with addiction have lost touch with family, friends and the larger society. Responsibilities have been ignored, kindness has gone missing, etiquettes have been abridged, and harshness has been introduced. For healing wounds and restoring relationships and to bring balance back into one’s life, taking care of relational formalities can only be another indispensable tool in a recovering addict’s toolkit.
So, below are six norms of behavior, connective social sinews that both addicts and non-addicts who value submission must follow unfailingly. These then are the rights of a submitter upon another submitter.
- Upon seeing or meeting a person, greet him with a blessed greeting, and expect to be responded to in return with at least as much enthusiasm.
- When an invitation to eat together is made in good faith, with a decent wish, and as friendly overture, be sure to accept it. Reject regretfully only in exceptional situations.
- Whenever advice is sought, provide freely the best, sincere advice that one can muster.
- Whenever after sneezing audibly, someone says, “Praise God”, then and only then be sure to return with a “Bless you”.
- When someone that one knows falls ill, visit that suffering person as a matter of courtesy and fellowship.
- When death visits an acquaintance, attend the burial ceremony unless an exceptional circumstance intervenes.
