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Are we friends?

Photo by: Tim Bindner

Today’s post is about relationships. How some are lifelong while others are only there for a short time? This applies to romance, friendship, and even casual relationships with co-workers or neighbors.

When people I was close to leave my life, I used to take it to heart. I would blame myself and try to focus on what was wrong with me and why they left. I learned after many years that the issue may have been me, but often was not.

I have recently done my own social experiment to test relationships that I have with people. I was the one always reaching out, always calling or texting, and always planning or attempting to plan to get together. In this experiment, I have done the opposite of what I was used to doing. I stopped texting people, stopped reaching out and stopped inviting. All to see who notices and/or sticks around. Through this, I truly learned who wanted to be in my life and who didn’t. However, with age I do not take it personally anymore. Not friends, not enemies. Just strangers who shared memories.

It is sometimes better to let things be and let people go. The two hardest things to say in life are ‘hello’ for the first time and ‘goodbye’ for the last. Delete the pictures, delete the number, accept the lesson, and move on. Life is about learning.

There is a difference between someone who wants you and someone who will do what is needed to keep you. Don’t confuse them!

I cherish those who are in my life, whether it be brief or long term. I have and still learn for each person. Each person is a paragraph, chapter, or novel in my life now.

Until next time,

Tim

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