A couple days ago, I had perhaps the most epic phone conversation I have ever had. It was with one of my very best friends, and it lasted for over 5 hours. How does something like that happen?
Think about the people who are your closest friends. Most people are lucky to have 1-2 really close friends at any one time, and perhaps 5-6 in their entire lifetime.
It starts with being absolutely real with someone else–being willing to let someone see who you REALLY are, and not just who you want them to think you are.
It means not caring much about what other people think of you. The older I get, the more I find this to be the case with me. If someone likes me for who I AM, that means a lot more to me than someone who likes me for who they THINK I am—and there is a big difference.
It means letting people know the good AND the bad. We all have our share of things going on, much if it isn’t pleasant. I don’t mean sharing just to vent—I mean sharing with the intent of letting someone into your inner circle…and with someone who has a genuine interest in helping you and asking guiding questions…not just someone who will commiserate with you.
It means discussing REAL issues, not just the weather, how your day went, what the latest gossip is…seriously who cares about that. None of that will last forever.
Friendships and relationships last forever. When you come from a place of genuinely caring about people, and wanting to help them and GIVE instead of take, that’s where the richest relationships flourish.
My challenge to you this week (if you choose to accept it), is to have a REAL conversation with someone you care about. I can just about promise it will make your connection with that person stronger….and that is something that can never be replaced.
You will be so glad you did.
