RELATIONSHIP RANKING

I was immediately drawn in by the opening lines of "The vexing problem of the 'Medium Friend'" by Lisa Miller in the New York Times.

I am R and R is me, in the context involving a document intended for his friends.

Declaring boundaries in my relationships has always been a natural practice for me.

It's a lifelong commitment to myself driven by my desire for clarity of mind. I value a clear mind so deeply and take this responsibility very seriously. 

Organizing my thoughts and feelings visually is indispensable; I can not imagine my mind without it.

Journaling your way through life is key to truly respecting yourself and creating an emotionally balanced mind- I have discussed how important journalling is, several times in previous blog posts- It is so important to keep visual notes of experiences with friends and acquaintances and reflect on how the interactions make you feel, and perhaps, a pros and cons of remaining in the relationship. Yes, it is dramatic, and may even sound appalling but it significantly enhances your understanding of the relationships in your life.

Feelings about relationships and the dynamics are dramatic, they are inherently intense. I do not know why they are often portrayed as something that can be so trivialized.

Be assertive in deciding where people belong in your life—it benefits both you and them. On the receiving end of rejection, facing rejection or realizing you have overestimated your position in someone's life is never easy to navigate, but self-understanding helps you clarify your needs and assert self-worth, regarding the quality of relationships you desire. Clearly define relationships: acquaintances, friends, best friends—honesty and transparency will foster genuine connections without unnecessary tension. There is no need to walk on eggshells around people you consider yourself to have any type of relationship with.

You do not owe anyone your sanity.