Empathy and Consistency: Admiring the Infrequent Yet Valuable Trait in Others

It's a common belief that in life, one comes across many people but very few are truly great friends. While I consider myself a warm-hearted person, my journey has illuminated a few paltry traits in my own behavior. These habits stem from my own struggles with anxiety and self-imposed barriers that often lead to me distancing myself from my closest friends.

My Struggles with Anxieties and Mood Swings

Times have been unpredictable, filled with moments of anxiety and mood swings. When these moments hit, my behavior can be erratic. I start cutting off from my friends, leaving them before they are able to leave me. I drift away for a few days or even a week, without a clear understanding of why they keep reaching out. This isn't a one-off issue; it's more of a recurring habit. If you're my friend or consider me a peer, you're aware of this pattern. However, I deeply respect those individuals who don't give up and continue to reach out. Messages like 'Hi, how are you? Are you okay?' resonate with me deeply.

The Importance of Consistency in Relationships

My personal experience indicates that initial interactions are crucial, but the real strength of a friendship lies in consistency. I tend to initiate conversations but often lose touch after a few days. I find myself unable to invest my time in someone with whom I don't share a good connection. Whether it's through messages left unread in my inbox or phone calls from friends that I ignore, my goal is to save unnecessary energy from relationships that might not be mutually fulfilling.

Choosing Quality Over Quantity

A recurring theme in my life has been choosing quality over quantity. I lean towards people who have fewer friends over those with countless contacts. This choice is made with the hope that these individuals will be more reliable when I need them in the future. I have lost out on many opportunities, but I am not there for every need. This reflection, however, makes me appreciate those few individuals who still stay by my side despite these shortcomings. Their presence is a reminder that empathy and consistency are truly valuable traits in a friend.

In conclusion, while empathy and consistency might not always be the focus, they are the rare and precious qualities that I cherish most in others. These traits make a profound impact on the relationships we nurture. Let's strive to be more empathetic and consistent in our interactions to build strong, meaningful connections.

Key Takeaways

Empathy: Understanding and caring for the needs of others. Consistency: Reliability and adherence to commitments in relationships. Friendship: The essential and enduring bonds that matter most.

By emphasizing these qualities, we can enhance the depth and longevity of our personal relationships, making our lives richer and more fulfilling.