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A very smart lady once told me "You should spend your time with the people who will cry at your funeral." It made me think about how I should spend the time I have for friends. A relationship is a connection where two people are mutually interested or involved. We all have many kinds of relationships.

Dependent Relationships sometimes relationships develop where one person is dependent on the other. This dependence should go in both directions for it to be a healthy relationship.

Habitual Relationships some relationships are with people you grew up with but with whom you no longer have any common interests.

Negative Relationships relationships which are hurtful to you or the other person or with a "naysayer" who cannot be happy leave you feeling stuck.

Common interest relationships may have developed in a job situation or during a child's common activities where that was the only thing you shared.

Family relationships through birth or marriage are not chosen but if there is a positive relationship, these should be valued and treasured.

Positive relationships which develop from a genuine love and concern for each other are the happiest.

Are all your relationships of equal value? Which friends will support you when you are in trouble? Take a careful look at your relationships and resolve to spend more time on the ones which can be saved, the ones that are valuable, and the ones that can be improved. Choose the one or two people who mean the most to you.

Positive relationships need mutual respect for the talents and values of each other. They need trust. These relationships mean you can tell each other anything and know it will go no further. Who would you trust with your children or your spouse?

Who makes you laugh the hardest? Who gives you time? Relationships will not flourish if they are neglected. If you had 24 hours of free time with no obligations, with whom would you want to share that time?

There must be a genuine caring for the other person's feelings, family, fears and successes. Whose success would make you most happy? What activity or talent do you want to share with a special friend? With whom can you be your open, honest, and true self?

Learn more about this author, Marty Hopkins.
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