The human soul is multifaceted and complex. And different people bring out different sides of who we are. It’s important to honor these differences in each other even when they occasionally cause grief.
For instance, how we show up at work is naturally different than how we engage at home or when we’re hanging out with friends. Depending on the setting, we might be more driven, laid back, or playful accordingly.
And this can play out in one relationship to the next as well.
For example, one friend might bring out the more thoughtful and reflective side of who we are, while another brings out our more adventurous and lighthearted side.
Both are true to who we are and we’re not holding back parts of ourselves from the other. Different sides just come out with different individuals.
But sometimes this is a point of grief when we notice these differences in others.
Perhaps we want to experience for ourselves more of the drive, thoughtful conversations, or fun-loving side we see our friend express with others. We see what’s possible and it might feel like he’s holding out on us.
And certainly, there are times in which our relationships are out of balance and fragmented. And it’s good in these moments to pursue holistic relationships wholeheartedly.
But many other times, we’re simply witnessing the unique differences of each relationship.
And while we remain intentional about moving our relationship toward its highest good, we bless the different sides of friends and loved ones as they show up in their different relationships.
We unintentionally curse them when in our jealousy we communicate it’s not okay for them to express the different sides of who they are apart from us.
Respect your complexity and the unique relationships you form with others. And give this same respect as others express their different sides as well.
