Make it mutual

I made a mistake. I let some of my friendships slip through the cracks the past few years. I relied on history, the assumed certainty that those who have been there for me before would undoubtedly be there for me again should I need them. And while they likely would, that isn’t fair.

It isn’t fair to keep people in your life just for the moments that you need them.

It isn’t fair to rely on assumptions when dealing with the people that you love.

It isn’t fair to cheat yourself, and the other people involved, of your full attention when you’re together.

If you’re going to be lazy about the relationships — the human interactions that make up so much of who we are: our past, our present, and our uncertain, scary, and hopefully exquisite future — then what is it that you’re going to be wholeheartedly committed to?

My relationships — platonic, professional and romantic — have always been placed at the top of my priority list. Interacting with other passionate and caring individuals brings me the purest happiness that I have ever known. Relationships and stories and connections between people fuel me, intrigue me, and leave me completely captivated.

Multiple relationships of different sorts aren’t easy to maintain, though. They require frequent and honest communication, genuine interaction, tricky schedules and fluctuating emotions that often ride on different wave lengths.

But here’s [what I believe] is the key to any successful relationship, no matter the type: the desire and willingness to be together and grow in respected enjoyment must be mutual. Anything else is an injustice to your own happiness.

“Friendships don’t last for years, you have to invest in them.”

– Sex and the City

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Myself, Sam and Hannah

It’s not broken

I don’t have time for someone else. You can go ahead and call me a nasty name for being so forward about it, but I’m only 24 years old, and to me, being selfish is okay right now. I suppose I could readjust my priorities, stay up a little later every night and attempt to integrate another person into my scattered routine. I could. But I probably won’t.

You would have to sweep me off of my feet, push my buttons without offending me, play into my lame jokes, be as flexible as a freshly cooked piece of spaghetti with my hectic schedule and drive me crazy in the best way possible in order for me to even consider it. And even then, I’m not sure I would want to give up the lifestyle that I have right now.

I like not having to think twice when I say “yes” to every crazy idea that comes my way.

I like going to the gym at whatever time I want and not worrying about getting ready all over again. The dinner I’d rush to get ready for would probably cost too much and be less exciting than the episode of The Newsroom I specifically bought HBO for or the rerun of How I Met Your Mother that I will undoubtedly laugh at.

I like having my bed to myself even though I only take up one tenth of its entirety.

I like sitting on my kitchen counter top with my roommate before dinner and talking about life’s confusion and the humorous situations we find ourselves wrapped up in.

It’s cliche’, but if I’m not totally satisfied with myself and my life then I can’t possibly give another person what they deserve from me in a relationship. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve myself and my circumstances. Maybe it’s a never-ending chase for more intrinsic fulfillment, but it’s a journey I’m enjoying right now.

It should be a priority to take care of yourself first. If not, who will? Love will come at some point in the future. It has always snuck up on me when I’ve expected it the least and I have no doubt it will come about in the same way again. Maybe in three years, maybe when I’m old and retired, who knows, maybe tomorrow. I’ll be ready for it when it does, but I’m not eager.

All I know is this: my life isn’t broken, so I’m not about to go on a search to find something or someone to fix it up. I’m a sucker for love, but i’m not foolish enough to settle.

Hey, you know they’re all the same.
You know you’re doing better on your own, so don’t buy in.
Live right now.
Yeah, just be yourself.
It doesn’t matter if it’s good enough for someone else.
It just takes some time, little girl you’re in the middle of the ride.
Everything (everything) will be just fine, everything (everything) will be alright (alright).