Thursday, October 22, 2009

Just an Observation

From the Passing Thoughts Department (courtesy of the Doctorate Program of the Over Thinkers University located on a hill in Piemonte, Italy):

The older I get (and this year I got ALOT older as evidenced by more greys than browns on my head!), the more I become aware of what is important to me in relationships with others.

Kindness. Kindness to me is defined as the cross between being nice and being sincere.

Empathy. Accepting other people's situations, being able to put yourself in other people's shoes.

Communicativeness. Having an open enough heart to keep the lines of communication open, even if there are differences of opinions. A relationship is like a house. You should be able to rearrange the furniture without the walls caving in.

Respect. Arethra Franklin had this one right. Without respect for the opinions, situation, and circumstance of another person- in short, if there is not equality between two people-- there can be no true relationship.

Trust. It's not a very good basis for a relationship if you fear that a person is going to pull the rug out from under your feet while you are not looking! Trust is essential to a good, honest relationship.


Pretty simple stuff. What do you think? What is important to you in your relationships? I would love to hear from you.


10 comments:

DeeAnne White said...

I agree with every single one, and I'd add laughing & celebrating with one another!

Miss you!
DeeAnne

eloradaphne said...

What a lovely post. I agree with every single one of them, honestly :)

Amy said...

Amen.

About the only additions I can think of are Perspective and Humor.

Diana Strinati Baur said...

Yes, my friends! Humor/laughing and perspective, and being able to celebrate eachother's achievements (which in a way also means not being jealous of the other). Great additions.....

Tesoro said...

These are beautiful sentiments. And when you find those special people in your lives that embody these, you know you have found a true friend!!

Candy said...

I agree with everything you posted and with the items added by others. I think the most important quality you mentioned is kindness. As usual, a lovely post!

Anonymous said...

my first chart is respect, then the communication skills, friendship, trust, empathy. piùci must be in all the emotions. should not hold back tears in front of a husband or a friend. tears unite the hearts.

Anonymous said...

my first chart is respect, then the communication skills, friendship, trust, empathy. piùci must be in all the emotions. should not hold back tears in front of a husband or a friend. tears unite the hearts.

Theresa said...

All of them, and I would add humility and humor. :)

Rosabela said...

I think love and understanding can also be added to the list.

When I was in high school, I was taught that the most beautiful thing you can do for another person is be empathetic.

It really changes the way you look at life and treat other people the same way that you want to be treated.

Lovely post, Diana.