"Tell me about your friends." Such is a question we often ask each other if we're trying to really get to know some one.
In our modern ways of being on the move and the necessity of "friends who become family," you really can get to know a lot about a person by the type of people they keep company with.
To this enter today's word: friendship. Friendship is defined as the state of being attached to a person by affection or esteem.
I've been thinking a lot about friendship lately, maybe because several of my friendships are in flux, but also because of the consumerism of relationships I keep noticing.
By this I mean, people who show affection toward others IF they buy their beauty products or jewelry or sign up for their coaching or join their bootcamp class.
I once hired a coach to help me with a work project. Soon she began calling me her friend. But when I stopped paying for her service, she was no where to be found. Why didn't she just call me her client? I felt disposable.
Here's another example, have you ever heard of Rent a Local Friend? The premise is simple. Need a "friend" to to accompany you to an activity? Rent a person for a small fee. They will be there for you!
I don't want to be cynical and say that paid services are wrong (people have to earn a living) or that payment for time couldn't lead to a mutual human-to human relationship. But in our marketing centric culture, I think you and I have forgotten what it's like to spend time with a person because we like them.
Brene Brown in her book Daring Greatly reminds you that: “Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives."
So, this week, can you think of one way you could show up and serve someone you call a friend just because? Maybe . . .
Whatever it might be, SHOW your care without promising anything in return (or secretly expecting it either). In doing so, you'll lean more deeply into authentic community that begins right where you are!
Glad to be your email friend this Sunday and always-
Elizabeth
