Yes- but this does not mean
that relationships are predetermined. We may have certain karmic predispositions
to feel close to or to have friction with certain people. But, this does not mean
that our relationships with them must continue along the same lines. If we are
kind to those who speak ill of us and try to communicate with them, the relationships
will change - creating positive Karma that will bring happiness in the future.
We are not karmically bound to others- there are no special people who are
the one and only one for us. Since we had many past lives, we have had contact
with every being sometime before. Our relationship with any particular person
also changes constantly. However, past karmic connections can influence our present
relationships. For example, if someone has been our spiritual mentor in a past
life, we may be drawn to that person in this lifetime, and when he or she teaches
us the Dharma, it may have a very strong effect on us.