Greetings friends of Smiley Blue!
We are thrilled to extend a very warm welcome to our new members! The growth we've experienced recently is amazing. I hope you'll continue to find our content enriching for yourself and beneficial for others.
This week's bonus newsletter explores the characteristics of a true friendship, and the warning signs to look out for when the ship has sailed off course.
The Ship of Friendship
Just as ships sail together across the oceans, true friendships travel life's journey side by side. Like solid vessels, good friends remain steady through stormy weather and calm seas. Even when separated by distance or time, they hold a connection that can be reconnected with a quick signal. These friendships don't require constant contact to remain strong, they're already deeply anchored in genuine care and understanding.
The Warning Signs:
- Your "ship" feels constantly pulled off course by your friend's demands and needs
- Communication always feels like a one-way distress signal
- You're the one who’s always having to adjust your route to maintain the contact
- The friendship feels more like a constant rescue mission than a journey together
What Makes a True Friendship?
True friendship is like a steady vessel providing a safe harbour for both parties. It's built on the foundation of mutual trust, where you can share your deepest thoughts without fear of judgment or betrayal. These relationships never demand constant attention but instead offer reliable support when needed. Both friends maintain their independence while celebrating their shared journey.
Warning Signs:
5. You feel an uncomfortable feeling within sharing your thoughts and feelings
6. Trust feels conditional or frequently tested
7. There's a big imbalance in emotional give-and-take
8. You feel pressure to always maintain contact
When Friendships Change Course
Our life's journey often leads us in different directions, it's natural. Some friendships are supposed to be lifelong, while others serve a purpose for a short while. The key lies in recognising changing course doesn't in any way diminish the value these relationships once held. Each friendship contributes to us, even if our paths eventually split.
Warning Signs:
- You begin feeling pangs of guilt about growing in different directions
- There's resentment about your changing life paths
- Your past connections are used as emotional leverage
- Your natural growth is treated as a personal betrayal
Making Space for Growth
As you evolve, some friendships may no longer align with your path. It's helpful for you to recognise when relationships start holding you back instead of uplifting you. True friends will encourage your growth, even if it means having to see much less of each other. They understand that growth is a natural part of life's journey.
Warning Signs:
- Your achievements are met with subtle criticisms
- They try to keep you stuck in old patterns
- Growth is seen as a threat to the friendship
- Your happiness and success makes them visibly uncomfortable
Moving Forward
True friends will enrich your journey through life. Recognising authentic relationships and setting healthy boundaries for yourself creates the space for healthy friendships to enter our lives. Choose to nurture the friendships that support your growth while gracefully releasing those that don't.
Proverbs 17:17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
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