Let’s take a moment for self-examination. I do this, every so often, myself, and I thought I’d share.
How do we affect others? Do they come away with smile? a good feeling? uplifted?
Or do we drag them down?
Are our interactions with others positive and warm?
Or are they negative and dark?
When we’re having trouble making friends or even keeping them, it’s often because we haven’t taken care to be a light in their lives.
I know people facing terrible challenges who manage to remain upbeat and positive. And others who have everything in the world but are weighed down in negativity.Sure, everyone has a bad day or two, and a big part of friendship is being able to share those feelings. Some people suffer real depression and that can color the world grey. But when every interaction with a friend is grey and depressing, when nothing positive results, ever, why would anyone want to spend time with us?
Overall, are we additive to the lives of our friends and loved ones?
I think it’s good to look in the mirror every once in a while and check what our real impact is on others …and how that affects our friendships. And maybe even make some changes in how we interact.
What do you think?
robin rue says
April 30, 2018 at 7:28 amI have eliminated a lot of people from my life that were bringing me down. Some people are just always negative and I don’t need people like that around me.
Alli Smith says
April 30, 2018 at 7:30 amI firmly believe that we become like the people we hang out with so that’s why I have friends that are positive and uplifting and I try to be the same for them. We can also cry on each other’s shoulders if we need to.
Alli Smith recently posted…Mint Julep Mocktail and Kentucky Derby Party Tips
Tomi C says
April 30, 2018 at 7:48 amI totally agree that our attitude impacts that of those around us. I try to keep it positive and hope my positive attitude rubs off on others.
candy says
April 30, 2018 at 8:09 amI am usually a very happy and upbeat person. We all have those days but all in all the glass is always half full not half empty all the time.
candy recently posted…Pork Enchiladas
Amber Myers says
April 30, 2018 at 8:25 amI know I always try to be positive. I tend to avoid those who are constantly negative. I just don’t have the patience.
Amber Myers recently posted…The Solo Menu At Denny’s Review
Cyn says
April 30, 2018 at 9:09 amI think it’s important to be honest and balanced. Pretending that all is well and that you’re fine when you aren’t is lying to your friends and yourself. Tell them the truth but don’t allow it to dominate — let them know something you’re grateful for. If it’s a struggle, think about it before spending time with your friends.Gift them with positive words and expressions like a compliment, an observation or something lovely you remember.
I am interested in others and I listen to and watch what they say and how they say it. I ask a lot of questions. The affect it has is that they’ll be surprised at how open the conversation was and how comfortable they felt sharing what they did. I seek that in others, don’t find it often hence would I have several acquaintances but few friends.
JEanette says
April 30, 2018 at 9:28 amThis is a question I have asked myself a couple of times in my life. I always want to be a positive influence in someone’s life and not something negative. So I try to be careful with that.
Melissa Chapman says
April 30, 2018 at 10:44 amI am always trying to be upbeat and have a can do attitude in all I do. I know people respond positively to me because I am always asked to go out again after a meeting or encounter.
Melissa Chapman recently posted…5 Surprising Ways to Boost Your Motivation
janet says
April 30, 2018 at 11:32 amSo true….I try and hang around only positive uplifting people. With relatives you can’t choose, but yes to friends!
Teresa says
April 30, 2018 at 11:51 amSo agree with you on this one. I have always said this, when I pick my kids up from school, I am NEVER on the phone and when they see my face I am always smiling – no matter what. I always want my kids to see and know that I am happy and filled with joy to see them everyday after school
Lisa says
April 30, 2018 at 12:32 pmI think for the most part you get out of a relationship what you put in. There are times when that is not true and then you have to examine that friendship.
Tasheena says
May 1, 2018 at 8:34 amI try to be around positive people. I think sometimes we forget that some people are only meant to be in our lives for a season.
Tasheena recently posted…Semi-Homemade Nonalcoholic Bellini
Karen Morse says
May 1, 2018 at 9:18 amI think it’s really important that we evaluate ourselves, not just with how we are as a friend but as a person. It’s good to know if there’s anything we can do to improve or if we need to change.
Karen Morse recently posted…5 Reasons Why Your Manicure Doesn’t Last
Emily says
May 1, 2018 at 11:03 amThis is really interesting! I like the idea of looking within ourselves to see how we effect others and maybe see if there is ways we can give more to others that will encourage a better relationship.
Peter says
May 1, 2018 at 8:23 pmNegativity runs so much quicker than positivity. Being around positive people makes me a healthier and happier person.
Sara Welch says
May 1, 2018 at 11:39 pmI always try to make sure they I lift peoples’ spirits up. That is my daily goal!
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Kita Bryant says
May 1, 2018 at 11:40 pmI would really love to think that I make people feel better when I am around. No one likes being the dread of the party!
Angelic Sinova says
May 2, 2018 at 11:24 pmI’m a firm believer that you should treat others how you want to be treated. If you give out positive energy to others, you should get that energy right back. And if you don’t, delete those toxic people form your live.