Recently, I’ve been learning a lot about myself. I’ve learned about the influence I have on others based on how I act around them. I’ve realized that there are things I should be doing to grow as an individual.

These past few months I realize the parallel between how I interact with others and the response-interaction with me. I have three different types of friend interactions.

I have some friends whom I joke and fool around with. These friends I care about. I feel comfortable enough to expose my silly side. However, I come to realize that these friends don’t take me as seriously (to an extent). These friends will see me as a valued friend and someone they like to have around. For these friends, I’m not the go-to person to find answers, wisdom, and comfort in deeper things.

Then, I have people who dislike me in every aspect. These are the people who don’t align their values with mine values. These are the people who I’d love to understand and seek a middle ground to find peace (if any). We all know that it’s impossible to find peace with everyone; Stand up for what you believe in or fall for anything.

Lastly, I have some friends with whom I don’t joke around. I interact with them with gentleness, cautious with words, and maturity. I realize that these friends are extremely comfortable with me and are willing to confide in me with their thoughts, life struggles, and all their secrets. These friends value my input and thoughts.

To bring it all together; What’s my takeaway and how should I grow as an individual after learning all this? I find that in my personal growth, I should be more mature, cautious, and gentle; if I were to provide the greatest value to the people around me.

I hope this is my new year’s resolution and continue to grow in this aspect with this goal in mind.