There's one sad truth in life I've found
While journeying east and west-
The only folks we really wound
Are those we love the best.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those who love us best.
~Ella Wheeler Wilcox
What unfortunate truth there is in this tiny little poem, the most striking part being about flattering those we scarcely know. How quick we do this! So many of us go above and beyond to love well the people who barely know us. And while it could be admirable, I can't help but wonder if we do it for all the wrong reasons...
And it's in the comfortability and safety of those trusted and extensive friendships that we show who we really are...
I can't help but think of a very few people (like, 2) that I know who came off as reserved or even standoffish when I met them, but oh how they blossomed as our friendship deepened. While it seems backwards, maybe they've got it more figured out.
Maybe it's that the flattery and the attention and the great love and care for the friendship that belongs to those closest to them is going where it should. Not being taken for granted in the deep friendships and being thrown out like candy at a parade to strangers.
Just something I'm thinkin' through today after reading this little poem. :)
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