Sunday, June 7, 2009

Relationships

I've done a little thinking about what it is that makes committed, healthy relationships so great. It seems to me that the best things about a relationship are:
  • There's always someone you can focus on (who's not yourself). There's also a constant opportunity to serve someone else and think of ways that you can make their life more enjoyable. And service brings joy.
  • You have someone who accepts you on your good days and your bad days...who loves you for who you are, while inspiring you to become better.
  • You're part of a team, and have someone who you can work and scheme with.
  • There's someone else you needs to.
  • There's a sense of constancy and trust. If you feel you can depend on someone else to be there for you, it gives you confidence and helps you feel their love.
These are just a few of my thoughts...what do you think? What else would you add to this list?

Update: Even if you don't have anything to add, check the comments for some great additions to this list.

5 comments:

  1. Matthew, I like the way you think my friend! I agree with all that you have said. If it were my list one of the things that I would add would be EXPERIENCE. One of the things that I love about being in a relationship is expreinceing new things, together. Whether it be trying out a new skill, a new food, or even gaining experience learning how to better communicate with each other. It is fun, sometimes it can be challenging, but you always grow so much closer together when you do it. I love it! :]
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  2. I completely agree with Ashley. Experience is a big part of it, and learning from that is what makes the experiences (even the tough ones) bearable and beneficial. Some relationships don't work out, A LOT of them, actually. That doesn't mean they were a waste of time, but that you were meant to learn something from it, that will help you in the next one.
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  3. Wow...your comments on experience really resonate with me. True true. I also how you mentioned togetherness. That's definitely a key part, and I guess it's tied up in a lot of the others.
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  4. I think that giving love and feeling love are pretty basic human needs, but one person can't spread him or herself thin trying to give everyone in the world the love that they need, or expect love from everyone (unless that one person is Christ.) Of course we should all follow His example by serving others in absolutely every way that we can. However, one way to make sure that each individual has the opportunity to love and be loved is to specialize. You find one person whom you are particularly suited to love and care for, and whose love and care make you particularly happy, and commit to love and serve each other above all others. And you can continue to find joy in serving others, together.
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  5. @Jennifer - I'd never thought of that before, but it really makes sense. I also really like the idea of serving together, and our capacity to serve and love really increases when we are confident and feel loved.
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