JUST THINKING OUT LOUD

Most of us desire others to be authentic- we want others to be themselves around us and not feel like they have to be fake. But because we are often unaware of how much of an impact we play in keeping others from being open and honest with us- or at least we do not think about it enough -we sabotage such a relationship. 

We do not listen closely enough to their needs and concerns or we pass judgment on their thoughts, words, and actions; we fail to take them seriously or make them feel important and valuable. 

Our goal as a friend should be simple: to be there as a comfortable companion who is experiencing a similar journey through life- pray with them, no need to fix them, no need to change them, and no need to control them.