Alright, let me tell you about this “invested relationship” thing I’ve been playing around with. It’s been a bit of a journey, not gonna lie.
It all started when I was just chilling, scrolling through some stuff online, and I stumbled upon this idea of really putting effort into the relationships you care about. Not just the romantic kind, but also with friends, family, even colleagues. Seemed like a good idea, so I thought, “Why not give it a shot?”
Phase 1: The Inventory Check
First thing I did was take stock. I sat down with a piece of paper (yeah, old school) and listed all the people I felt were important in my life. Then, next to each name, I jotted down the last time I really connected with them, like actually connected, not just a quick “hey, how’s it going?” text.
Man, that was a bit of an eye-opener. Some people I hadn’t properly talked to in months, even years! I felt kinda bad, to be honest.
Phase 2: The Reach Out
Next, I started reaching out. Nothing fancy, just simple stuff. I called my grandma, who I hadn’t spoken to in way too long. We chatted for like an hour about her garden and her cat. It was lovely.
With some friends, I organized a casual get-together at a local bar. Just a few beers and some catching up. It was surprisingly refreshing. We laughed, we shared stories, it felt like we were back in college.
I even made an effort at work. There’s this guy in another department, Mark, who always seems a bit down. I started making a point of saying good morning to him and asking about his weekend. Turns out, he’s a huge sci-fi fan, just like me! We’ve started chatting about new shows and movies. It’s a small thing, but it’s made a difference.
Phase 3: The Consistency Challenge
This is where it got tricky. Reaching out once is easy, but keeping it up is the real challenge. Life gets busy, things come up, and it’s easy to fall back into old habits.
So, I set some reminders for myself. I put a recurring event in my calendar to call my grandma every other week. I started a group chat with my friends so we can easily share funny memes and plan get-togethers.
At work, I made it a point to walk by Mark’s desk every morning. Even if we only exchange a quick “hello,” it’s a way of staying connected.
What I Learned
Honestly, this whole “invested relationship” thing is harder than it sounds. It takes effort, time, and a genuine desire to connect with people.
But it’s also incredibly rewarding. My relationships feel stronger and more meaningful. I feel more connected to the people in my life. And I’ve even made some new friends along the way.
- It’s the little things that matter. A simple phone call, a thoughtful text, a quick chat at work – these small gestures can make a big difference.
- Be present. When you’re with someone, really be with them. Put your phone away, listen to what they have to say, and show genuine interest.
- Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Sharing your feelings and experiences can help you connect with others on a deeper level.
So, yeah, that’s my “invested relationship” journey so far. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m committed to making it a part of my life. Maybe you should give it a try too!
