Everyone is unique and good at certain things. Don't avoid or categorize people based on where you think you belong. Instead, be open-minded and learn from others. This is an essential part of building healthy relationships with others and, most importantly, with yourself."

I Am Grateful for Having the Right Friends

Having good and right friends is really important in my life. They are the people who support me, make me feel better for me being me, and help me grow as a person.

I had a long discussion with some friends on this topic, and it made me reflect on the importance of friendship and funny enough, my circle of friends has always been changing. The people around me change due to my and their circumstances and I am getting better to decide of what I want in my friends:

  • I want to surround myself with people who uplift me and bring positivity into our friendship.
  • I want to be surrounded by people who support and encourage me to be my authentic self.
  • I want to be with people who celebrate each other's accomplishments and inspire me to be the best version of myself.
  • I want to be with people who value our friendship and make an effort to maintain the connection.

My key to achieving this:

Answer my own confusing question: What are the right people for me?

Prioritizing connection and values. What is good doesn't mean it is right."

Our individual interpretations of ‘what is right’ differ. Personally, I believe the right decision is based on my connection with certain people and whether our values align. Your good friend may not be my good friend. Nonetheless, as long as they are right for you or me, they likely are. However, if the connection makes me feel uncertain or negative, it is probably not right.

Becoming Your Own Best Friend: Prioritizing Self-Care and Well-Being in Relationships

Before finding good friends, I need to become my own best friend."

It's important for me to take responsibility for my own space and learn how to make myself happy. I can treat myself to a nice date, enjoy a movie alone, or plan a cozy night in. By doing these things, I am able to prioritize my own well-being and enjoy my own company. When I am comfortable in my own skin and happy with who I am, I will naturally treat others the same way. This will lead me to surround myself with good people who share similar values and interests. I believe that it's better to enjoy my own company than to spend time with people who are different.

Toxicity and Introspection: Letting Go of Negative Friendships

Aware that great people can be toxic too."

In addition to trusting my instincts about removing negative individuals from my life, I have come to realize that this is a process that requires a great deal of ‘introspection’.

"Am I negative too?"

Letting go of friendships that no longer benefit me is not always easy. However, I have found that it is important to examine my own feelings and the facts of the situation in order to make a decision. I consider whether our needs align, whether the conversation is trustworthy and healthy, and whether the relationship is mutually beneficial. I have learned that it is essential to prioritize my own well-being and surround myself with individuals who uplift and support one another.

It's worth noting that not every successful or accomplished person is positive. Many of them feel insecure and develop strong, unhealthy, negative self-talk and narcissistic tendencies.

Different Strokes for Different Folks: Separating Friends into Categories

Finally, I separated my friends into different groups: girlfriends, business friends, and creative friends."

It helps me keep track of my relationships and it also helps me avoid limiting myself in making connections with others. Just because someone may not be suitable for certain topics doesn't mean they can't be a valuable friend in other ways. For instance, I have girlfriends, business friends, and creative friends. Each group serves a distinct purpose, and I value them all in their unique ways.

Appreciating Diversity: Approaching Relationships with Openness and Empathy

Everyone is unique and good at certain things.

Don't avoid or categorize people based on where you think you belong."

Instead, it is crucial to keep an open mind and approach every person with a willingness to learn from them. By doing so, I can develop healthy relationships with others and, perhaps more importantly, with myself. I learn to appreciate the diverse perspectives and experiences that others bring to the table, and in turn, broaden my own understanding of the world :)

Last,

Expect Nothing But The Best For Others

Expecting the best from others is about more than just assuming they will perform well. It is about approaching others with a positive attitude, assuming good intentions, and being willing to offer support and encouragement when I can."

I learned that when I expect the best from myself and those around me, I am more likely to achieve great things and to help others do the same. When I trust and believe in others, I create an environment where everyone feels empowered to do their best. This can lead to stronger relationships and cultivate a culture of excellence around me, inspiring each other to strive and grow.

You might be surprised by how much of a difference having friends can make. Aww, thank you to all my good friends out there! Love you all!!

Tagged in:

Journal