First of all, I thank my friend Harjinder whose words triggered a thought process that has resulted in this post. There is a technical definition of "escape velocity". Hari (as Harjinder is known) talked about it in terms of projects . I generalize it to all things in life.
[Tech] Escape Velocity is the minimum velocity that is required to escape from the gravitational pull of the earth. Once this velocity is reached, any object can keep on going and is not affected by the earth's pull. But until this velocity is reached there is always the chance that it comes under the influence of the pull and falls.
[Project] Hari applies the above concept to project. There are many people in a project each with varied degrees of motivation. It is essential that there is a high level of motivation among all the members for the success of the project. But unless some work is done, there will not be the belief among the team members that the project will succeed. This work is the escape velocity that has to be achieved.
[General] I feel that the above theory applies to our general behaviour with people. Relations are developed slowly. It takes some time for people to treat others as confidantes or friends.
But once this time elapses, relation takes off grandly. Similarly, when a relation deteriorates, it is essential that one person tries to maintain it. Usually people wait for the other person to break the deadlock. This inevitably results in failure.
So this is like a spiral, it can be positive or negative. It depends on how people respond to the situation and act.
