Love is Stronger than Pride

So this entry is centered around the affairs of the heart.

When I decided to start blogging I told myself I would NEVER write about relationship stuff. I get sooo annoyed with relationship reading, everyone has an opinion and everyone considers themselves the victim. No one has a clear understanding or solution. But unlike other relationship postings I want to address what I consider the core of our relationship dysfunctions.

This evening I spent time with one of my best friends at the gym. We always laugh, sweat, chat, and nearly pass out while doing our cardio routine. My friend and I share a lot of things in common, but one of our commonalities we wish we didn't share. We have both lost a parent suddenly. While we were working out this evening we shared memories and experiences. As always we spoke freely and open not concerned with being vulnerable or judged. On the ride home from the gym I began thinking about all of my relationships...

I wonder why can't we be vulnerable and open with all the people we love?

I believe that my friend I mentioned earlier and I have broken through that barrier through loss and the need for support and understanding and luckily it has carried over to all aspects of our friendship. But what will it take for me to share this type of mutual openness with all of the people I love?

I truly believe it's a matter of respect, trust, and being comfortable with just being you. Respect and trust explain themselves. But being comfortable with yourself I believe is vital is building any true relationship. A true relationship is one where you can be vulnerable and know that you're going to be heard, considered, and cared for. But when you don't understand, love, and respect the person that you are, how can someone else? When you're not ok with you, your time is spent trying to build a facade of what you think you should be. Even if you succeed at that, it's not the real you so you're not being vulnerable. It's hard to understand other people when you don't understand yourself.

So before we begin new romantic relationships, and while we're in current romantic relationships and friendships. Let's work on accepting ourselves for who we are. Just simply for who we are right now. Let's embrace our good qualities and recognize where we fall short. Because against popular belief it's ok to be imperfect. We will never be perfect. Let's truly discover who we are, what we desire, without thinking about what others expect from us.

I want to be able to say to my family, friends, boyfriend.....Here I am