You know, I think one of the hardest parts of this life is relationships. Any type for that matter. Friendships, relationships, best friends, acquaintances, and just with people around you. This day in age it's like you have to have some sort of "title" for every person that walks into your life. It is truly sad that everyone can't just get along and there has to be rumors and petty fights. Life would be much easier if everyone just loved the way Jesus does.
I may not have the best relationship advice, but I have plenty of friendship advice. I have been through enough in my little amount of time that I have been on this earth and trust me, it has all contributed to the person I am and becoming. I haven't always had the group of friends every girl has, honestly my sisters have always been my best friends. I'm not one to just have someone in my life for a little while; if you plan on coming into my life, plan on being there for a very long time.
My very best friend is still one of my best friends. We've been best friends since kindergarten and although we've gone our separate ways, we are still best friends. See what I mean about staying for a long time? Next to her, my other best friend I met through a mutual friend. She has been my rock for the last three years and I wouldn't change it for the world. We are inseparable when we are together but rarely get to see each other anymore.
I love my friends so much. I know the ones I have made in college will last a lifetime and I am super excited to see what God has in store for us. I have a hard time trusting people, so they know once they earn and gain my trust, they are in it for the long haul. I have learned the hard way about trusting people. The saying "there's always a little truth behind every just kidding" is something that I believe whole heartedly. If someone is using that as an excuse to put you or someone else down, don't believe it when they say "just kidding", it is today's equivalence to "no offense but". Just because you say that does not mean you have the right to insult someone.
I try to live by these principles myself although I am still human, I make mistakes. My friends know me, I'm not going to blindside anyone coming into my life. I tell them straight up how I am. I know I have my own share of faults that God and I are working out, so I never want anyone to be surprised if something happens that would seem "unexpected" to them. I am a believer in second chances only when they prove that they truly deserve one. I'm not one to just hand out second chances because I've been doubly burned doing that before. Why give someone a second chance when they aren't sorry about what they did in the first place? They have got to be completely sincere.
When it comes to relationships, I am very careful to guard my heart along with my mind. Although I've only ever had one relationship, I think I learned a lot in the three and a half years. Relationships are tough and don't ever let anyone tell you differently. That might sound extremely pessimistic, but it is the cold hard truth. Why would you want to go into a test thinking you didn't have to study knowing the rest of your life could depend on it? You wouldn't. Same idea with a relationship. Relationships need to be worked on by both sides. The most important part of having a relationship for me is having God in the center. Without Him, how is it going to work? Let me tell you, from my experience, it doesn't. Life is so much easier and ENJOYABLE with God being in your relationship with you.
You know people are going to let you down sometimes. But God doesn't and He's always right there for you. I know this because I've been there. Trust me, break ups are not fun. I mean, yeah I've only gone through one, but heck...that's the only one I ever want or need to go through. I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for God and my friends and family who have helped me through, literally carrying me through this.
Relationships are difficult and they're really touchy subjects these days. Word to the wise? Do not let anyone else into your relationship with your significant other. Hence why relationships are only two people. Don't go around flaunting your problems or telling people everything that happens in your personal life. That makes the struggle that much harder. And be open! We are humans NOT mind readers. If something is going on in your head, express it. Do it in a kind way, don't just explode. There's always a solution to every problem, you just have to voice it.
Do not let things go unnoticed. You let one thing slide, they think everything is okay. Do not settle for less than what you deserve. Being treated like crap or a side chick? Kick him to the curb, there's no use in that. There's someone else out there that is going to treat you the way you should be treated and you'll be glad you gave the opportunity to treat you well. There are so many more things to be said about relationships, but those will have to wait until next time...
xoxox
