If you are anything like me, you may go to great lengths to hide your imperfections unaware that sometimes people like you more because of them. Can you recall developing a new relationship because you were both so perfect? Or do you remember growing friendships from sharing life experiences? It seems kind of simple, really, but only showing the world what we want to about ourselves can often leave us lonely. The walls that were constructed to protect also serve as barriers. Unfortunately, the infallibility that was projected disappoints the people that believed that you were without fault and they will be the first to judge when you need them. The friends you really should have called were pushed aside due to your pride. You know that they would have offered you more but you didn't want to bother them. The same people that knew most of your faults, and even shared them, seemed too far away to understand the situation. Nothing could be further from the truth as I have discovered.
Pride (in my situation) meant that I hid from the people I respected the most because I didn't want them to think less of me for asking for support. Ironically, they probably wouldn't even be my friends if we didn't already share a lot in common; imperfections and all of the good qualities too. So, reaching out is part of the friendship. It took me a long time to understand friendship in its reciprocal form but I am so grateful that when I finally reached out, everyone was there like a safety net, reminding me that while I may be down, I wasn't out.
And the message I needed to learn is this:
First, admit that you need your friends because they care about you.
Second, listen to everything encouraging they say because they now they understand your situation.
Third, repeat steps 1 and 2 as often as needed. True friends don't mind.
Thank you Paul, Suzanne, Rachael, Brittney, Lisa T, Lisa P, Monica, Brent, Kyle, Patrick, Alex, Billy, Marco, Jeff, McCrea, Elizabeth, Victor, Andrew, Brother, Mom, Dad and evereryone for being so "perfect" you when I needed you most.
Comments