Relationships With People

I have come to realize a couple of things about my relationships with people. I have a hard time opening up and being vulnerable after a certain point; there are things that I'm comfortable sharing and showing to others, a kind of false vulnerability. I say it's a false vulnerability because once we've covered those things, things that may make me look like I'm being vulnerable but I'm actually pretty comfortable, I tend to clam up and get quiet. Combine that with the fact that I am more of a listener than a talker, and it's pretty hard for me to have close relationships with many people.

And truth be told, I don't have a close relationship with many people. I know there are relationships that could get to that point with a little more nurturing and opening up, but right now I mostly have a close relationship with Clark, my mom, and a couple of friends (and I feel like I've been withdrawing from those friends a lot lately, too). I spend time with other people, of course, and I would like for those relationships to grow.

Craig Groeschel suggests making some relational goals. Here are mine:

- Stay involved in our Wednesday night small group and let the people there get to know me better. How? By talking more and being more vulnerable. I would love to have a few more close friends who really know me.
- Nurture the friendships I've neglected lately.
- I have a few involving my family, but I will keep those to myself.