It’s great when we can appreciate our friends—really and truly appreciate them. Each of us is unique. What draws one to another are differing qualities, which balance one another out. Where one may be highly creative, another may be gifted athletically. Together, the two manage to meld together, forming a stronger bond.
But then, as tends to happen, one person may grow in a different direction, or at a faster pace than the other. The one left behind can feel threatened, frightened or unbalanced due to the sudden shift in the relationship. At this point, some act out against the one who has changed. Instead of supporting the growth and marveling at the transformation in their friend, they pull away, reject or criticize.
Does this mindset stem from deep-rooted insecurities? Is it really that hard for some to embrace change? Adopt a mentality that just because a friend evolves doesn’t mean that friend will outgrow them?
I’m a person who adores diversity, especially how people are in an ever-evolving fluid state. When I see one of my friends in a growth spurt, I like to be one of their biggest cheerleaders, encouraging them along, excited to see how they’ll transform. How that transformation will enhance our relationship.
I firmly believe that for any friendship to survive, each member must maintain their individuality, growing independently of the other, in order to then have something to bring back to the partnership. When change occurs in one or more person in a relationship, it’s like beginning anew only with the benefit of past history and a breath of fresh air having awakened a new spark.
To really and truly appreciate one’s friends, I believe, means to accept them for who they are at any given moment, even if that means they’re in the middle of flux.
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