Who Will Cry For You?
By Marty Hopkins
“My father always used to say that when you die, if you’ve got five real friends, then you’ve had a great life.”
- Lee Iacocca
A very smart lady once told me “You should spend your time with the people who will cry at your funeral.” It made me think about how I should spend the time I have for friends. A relationship is a connection where two people are mutually interested or involved. We all have many kinds of relationships.
Relationships Types:
• Dependent Relationships – sometimes relationships develop where one person is dependent on the other. This dependence should go in both directions for it to be a healthy relationship.
• Habitual Relationships – some relationships are with people you grew up with but with whom you no longer have any common interests.
• Unhealthy Relationships – relationships which are hurtful to you or the other person or with a “naysayer” who cannot be happy leave you feeling stuck.
• Common Interests Relationships - these relationships may have developed in a job situation or during a child’s common activities where that was the only thing you shared.
• Family Relationships –relationships through birth or marriage are not chosen but if there is a positive relationship, these should be valued and treasured.
• Positive Relationships – those relationships which have developed from a genuine love and concern for each other are the happiest.
Are all your relationships of equal value? Which friends will support you when you are in trouble? Take a careful look at your relationships and resolve to spend more time on the ones which can be saved, the ones that are valuable, and the ones that can be improved.
Positive Relationships Always Need:
• Mutual Respect – for the talents and values of each other. Who is the person you respect the most?
• Trust – where you can tell each other anything and know it will go no further. Who would you trust with your children or your spouse?
• Laughter – laughter can be the best medicine. Who makes you laugh the hardest?
• Time – relationships will not flourish if they are neglected. If you had 24 hours of free time with no obligations, with whom would you want to share that time?
• Genuine Caring – for the other person’s feelings, family, fears and successes. Whose success would make you most happy?
• Common Interests – there should be some mutual interests. What activity or talent do you want to share with a special friend?
• Honesty – candid conversations are important. With whom can you be your open, honest, and true self?
Choose just a few people who meet these qualifications for a positive relationship and invest time for him or her.
“A friend is a gift you give yourself.” Robert Louis Stevenson
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Marty Hopkins is a successful business owner, jewelry designer and creator. She markets and sells her creations to individuals and galleries. Her passions include wine, world travel, and women’s basketball. Marty and 6 of her friends in Knoxville, Tennessee have developed http://www.balanceforwomennow.com with free tips and articles for busy women. |
