Friendship: Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zones to Make Others Feel Loved
Today an amazing thing happened. A gal from my neighborhood stopped by my house. What’s amazing is the reason why.
I opened the door to her big smile. She seemed a little embarrassed and anxious and all at once blurted out, “I miss you!” She shrugged her shoulders and the smile appeared again and she said, “I’m trying to reach out to the people I care about.” I quite literally wanted to scoop her up. What do you do with such amazing kindness?
I probably acted cool, calm, and collected. But, what she did was HUGE! She stepped outside her comfort zone to make me feel loved. And she succeeded!
Then I got to thinking about something that has been on my mind for a while. How often do we take advantage of opportunities to reach out to others right when we feel like we should? You know the nudge, right? You feel like you should go up to someone, or include her in your group, or help her feel part of the crowd, or stop by her house to let her know you miss her, or invite her to do something when you think she is the busiest person in the world and wouldn’t possibly have time for you. But, if you’re anything like me, sometimes it seems a little weird or uncomfortable or awkward. After all, what will that person think? How will she react? Will he think I’m stupid?
I can tell you from very recent experience (as in 5 minutes ago) that I didn’t feel like this gal was anything but lovely!
What’s even more awesomesauce than my feelings of being cared about is that now I want to go and help someone else feel this way. It feels AMAZING to be cared about like that, but the thought of spreading the love is even more appealing and exciting!
What will you do this week to spread seeds of friendship, step outside of your comfort zone, and help someone feel loved?
Photo courtesy of Flickr.
Oh, the feeling. OH the feeling of which you speak. I’ve had it countless times from wonderful, amazing friends. What a wonderful reminder that we, too, can make someone feel as loved as we did during this moment.
Thanks for your comment! It was a terrific feeling
. Isn’t friendship awesome?
What a sweet and brave lady.
[...] Friendship: Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zones to Make Others Feel … [...]
What a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing – I’m off to go spread some love.
she must really love you!
Hi,
I love this. Do you mind if I reprint it in a newsletter I publish? (MOPS, Australia)
It only has a small readership and is not for profit organisation. I’d acknowledge the source, of course.
Please can you email me?