So, Tuesday, I posted a tag: Favorite Things Tag. It was a lot of fun! But it stirred up some ideas, so this is a bit of an expansion on one of my favorite things from that list.

One of my favorite things is relationships. I’ve mentioned briefly in a previous post that I’m becoming more and more fascinated with psychology and human behavior. Additionally, I am drawn to the connections we form with each other as humans. It’s something that is difficult to describe, but once formed, it affects who you are, who you become, what you do, and how you live your life. 

I treasure the friendships in my life. I’ve had some pretty amazing friends at pivotal points in my life. In middle school, Kelsey and Brittney were my closest friends. Although we’ve drifted a little apart, I still keep up with them and speak to them every now and then. I have memories of you guys that I’ll never forget and they are a part of me for as long as I live.

SunShine, girl, my last two years of college would have been a lot different without you. You’ve encouraged me and been a blessing to know. The door’s always open for you, and I’ll always have a pot of something on the stove for you, with lots of leftovers to shove out the door with you on your way home. Catherine, you’re my newest friend and I am so thankful for you. I don’t know where I’d be without you, girl! You have been an incredible encouragement to me, especially here lately. Your words lift my spirits and remind me that it’ll all work out.

Kursten, Melissa, and Kasi, you guys are the truest friends a girl could have. I love you more than words can say!! You three are what keep me going. You are my family. Isabella, you’re my only sister and we’ve been through ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade you for the world. You are so special to me and I hope you know that. 

Family adds a whole new dynamic to relationships. The people who raise you, teach you, provide for you, and send you off into the world aren’t always good people. But you’re connected to them. Some families are amazing, and I think that’s wonderful. But the cool think is, sometimes, you get to make your own family. Some friendships are thicker than blood, and some blood is thinner than you think.

I don’t want to discount family. I love mine. I have three brothers whom I cherish and my sister, whom I’ve already mentioned. I love them each and have a unique relationship with them all. But I also have a family that extends beyond blood. The Brownings and the Purcifulls are my family too. I don’t share their blood, but I do share their spirit.

Mentors and teachers are another type of relationship that has profoundly affected my life. I will never forget the teachers in my life. Mrs. Alley, you were the first teacher who made a difference in more than my education. Ms. Tenpenny and Mr. Gross drove a hard bargain. They taught me life lessons in English and Math. They held higher standards than any other teacher in that school. I hold those standards of both myself and others because of you. And, finally, but certainly not least by any means, are the Talberts. Your family has been a shining light in my little world. Dr. Talbert, you brought a new kind of inspiration into my life. Mrs. Talbert, you are one of the most amazing women I’ve ever met. These teachers made learning fun, but they also went beyond what was on a page and chose to invest in a shy, lonely girl who easily could have been lost in the muddle. 

The Bible says that “iron sharpens iron.” Genuine relationships challenge you to grow as a person. You should strive to get better at what you do in your job, your finances, with your body, your spirit, your mind, and in your character. People need people! When your tank is low in an area, your friends fill you up and vise versa. 

I’m an introvert. I don’t thrive in crowds. In fact, I wither in them. I don’t have great social skills, which makes my relationships all the more important to me. If it were up to me, I’d never leave my room. If you’ve managed to get close to me, know it is no easy feat. I am forever grateful to you for pushing past the snarky, blunt exterior to find the fragile girl inside. 

Relationships are hard! Sometimes you want to throttle the people you love. Why do you think that is? Maybe you want better for them. Maybe they want better for you and are driving you insane telling you as much. But that’s what we’re here for. We make each other stronger. I have a few ties that I can’t cut, though often I wish I could. I’m too aware of the cost to lose the potential in those relationships. I love the people in my life, even though some hurt me. I know I’ve made mistakes and let many people down too. Real relationships take work and lots of it. They’re lifelong efforts.

Find someone who matters to you today and tell them that they matter to you. Don’t let that slip through your fingers. Don’t take them for granted. Tell them you love them and appreciate them. Tell them they’re the golden threads in your life and that your colorful moments stem from their conversations around the dinner table or falling asleep on their living room floor at midnight. Don’t let the sun sink on your anger when the people closest to you cut you like a knife. Remind your best friend that you want to be there, through rain or shine. And don’t ever forgo the ultimate relationship with the Creator who is absolutely, positively crazy about YOU! 

Make a new friend, smile to the waitress, wave to the homeless man. Call up an old friend, have a long-overdue conversation, write a letter to send in the mail when it isn’t Christmas. Kiss your mother’s cheek, hug your father’s neck, play with your siblings. Do the dishes for your wife, rub your husband’s shoulders, pull your child into your lap even if he’s too big. We don’t ever know when the last time we’ll see these people are. Don’t take your relationships for granted. Don’t wonder if they know how you feel and don’t assume they know. Make sure they know. The people in our lives and our relationships with them define us. That’s what life’s all about.

Love always,
Coralie

You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman

True Friend by Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus