I recently had lunch with my best friend. I'm glad I left a big tip because we dominated that table for over two hours, telling stories about recent events, sharing ideas, making plans.
The meeting caused me to remember my best friend from childhood. We spent a part of every day together, playing basketball, doing Boy Scout projects, and just horsing around. Eventually my father was transferred and we moved away. I didn't see him again for 40 years. Thanks to the internet, we found each other and arranged a meeting. Reunited again, we remarked that little had changed. But the truth was, a lot had changed. There had been a lot of water under the bridge. My old friend was still in there somewhere, but this man was a different person. I'd have to get to know him all over again. I remembered our closeness, but we were no longer best friends.
And that's how it goes with relationships. In my view, no relationship is static. A relationship slowly grows stronger, or it slowly grows weaker, depending on how much of yourself you invest in it. You're deceiving yourself if you think that nothing has changed after a long period without contact.
Nurturing relationships is a simple matter, but it requires effort, as I explain in this brief video clip...
Post by Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D., Copyright 2010. Building Personal Strength .
You are so right about this, Denny.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and my dear Kathleen! I hope the holidays exceeded your expectations.
Love,
SB
Good post, Dennis, a basic concept rarely explored in depth. When you love someone (or something) you pursue them (or it). Developing relationships is a clear example of this and the benefits are mutual.
ReplyDeleteI was told once that we can never remain the same, either we move forward or backward because we are climbing this mountain called 'Life', we need to work hard not to let us slide down, not to let friendship slide away, maintaining relationships take effort. :) so I totally agree with your sentiments in this blog post!
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