# Relationship lessons from the capybara rodents

## What you need to know:

**When our relationships are peaceful and calm, they become a source of relaxation and fulfilment, bringing healing rather than stress. Every human being needs this kind of social cushioning.**

The capybara, the largest living rodent on Earth, is native to South America. These unique creatures thrive in savannas and dense forests, often staying close to bodies of water. The capybaras are usually hunted for their meat and the oil from their thick, fatty skin.

These short-haired, brownish rodents with short legs, small ears, and almost no tail normally feed in the morning and evening and rest most of their day. There are valuable lessons we can learn from these rodents as couples. Here are a few interesting facts:

**Capybaras are highly sociable animals:** These rodents are intelligent, social animals that can even be house-trained. They’re very gentle giants and are often considered the epitome of ‘cute’ with their friendly personalities. Capybaras are incredibly social animals often found in groups. They get along not only with other capybaras but also with a wide variety of animals, including humans and even crocodiles! Imagine that!

**Capybaras are surprisingly relaxed animals: **These rodents have an incredible quality—relaxation. Capybaras are known for being calm and relaxed even in the presence of predators like crocodiles. In human terms, relaxation is the ability to stay calm, avoid tension, and embrace a sense of peace, quiet, or even a ‘holiday’ mindset.

When our relationships are peaceful and calm, they become a source of relaxation and fulfilment, bringing healing rather than stress. Every human being needs this kind of social cushioning. We all need to be around someone who’s understanding, caring, willing to listen, and supportive.

**Capybaras have an exceptionally long lifespan****:** A marriage built on love, commitment, trust, time, attention, and open communication creates a lifelong bond. Because capybaras are social and well-connected, they teach us partnership, tolerance, patience, respect, consideration, and sharing. We need to be emotionally and physically demonstrative, which builds closeness.

**Capybaras are the cuddliest companions: **Capybaras are called the cuddliest animals because of their friendly, social, and playful nature. They are docile, and because of this, they get along very well with other animals, including humans, crocodiles, and birds. They’re social animals that form strong bonds with one another and often groom and cuddle together, embodying warmth and connection. They’re also naturally playful.

As couples, we need to learn this skill of being friendly and playful companions. Friendliness and playfulness bring fun to our relationships. At its best, fun makes our lives fulfilling, easy, authentic, and magnetic. When couples share laughter and joy, it creates a vibrant, positive atmosphere that strengthens their bond. Research even suggests that couples in happy marriages tend to live longer.

In conclusion, we can draw valuable lessons from the calm, friendly demeanour of the capybara to foster strong, loving family units. Don’t forget their social and relaxation skills, as our relationships ought to be fun, fulfilling, and inspiring. By adopting these positive attributes, we enrich our lives and create happier, healthier partnerships.

Amani Kyala** is a counsellor, teacher and writer; [email protected]; ****0626 512 144**