The Friend Who Overstayed- A short story

The Friend Who Overstayed, A Plate of Peace

(A SHORT STORY)

Anjali was a constant presence, a social vine that had somehow twisted itself around my life. We used to be friends, back in the carefree days of college. Classmates thrown together by circumstance. But somewhere along the way, our friendship had morphed into something suffocating. Now, years later, our connection felt more like a burden. Anjali wasn't malicious, but she was a bottomless pit of need, fueled by a jealousy that simmered just beneath the surface. A constant drain of positive thinking.

My successes, big or small, were met with a barrage of questions. Aced a presentation? "Oh, wow, you must've stayed up all night studying. Did you get any sleep at all?" A new promotion? "That's great! They must have really needed someone to fill that spot." Her "congratulations" always felt laced with a bitter aftertaste.

Her visits were like clockwork. In fact, her visits were timed with military precision. Right around lunch or dinner, she'd materialize at my door, a practised smile on her face. The second I opened it, the interrogation would begin. "What are you having for dinner?" she'd ask, eyes scanning my kitchen like a hawk. If I dared to mention a dish I hadn't made myself, she'd launch into a ten-minute story about a similar recipe her "aunt" (read: a random cooking website) had.

One evening, I was having a simple dinner of samosas. Big mistake. Anjali, who wouldn't touch fried food "for her health," spent the entire visit calculating the cost of two samosas, down to the last rupee. "So, each samosa must have cost you..." she'd trail off, expecting me to reimburse her imaginary expense.

Visits to her house were financial landmines. A single samosa devoured transformed into a two-samosa "debt" I owed. The worst part? Anjali had no shame. She'd call me any time of day, interrupting my work or leisure with mundane updates about her life.

Her requests were bolder still. "That new saree looks lovely," she'd coo, "Can I borrow it for that party next week?" Borrowing, of course, was a euphemism. She'd casually "borrow" sarees, conveniently "forgetting" to return them for weeks. I rarely saw my clothes again. The worst part? She wasn't shy about it. "That new blue one you got would look lovely at my cousin's wedding," she'd announce, leaving no room for refusal.

One day, I decided enough was enough. "Anjali, "I value our friendship, but lately, it feels one-sided. The constant irritating behaviour, the unannounced visits…" Anjali blinked, feigning innocence. "irritating behaviour? I'm just being friendly!"

"Is it friendly to expect a free meal every time you visit?" I countered. "Or to borrow clothes with no intention of returning them?"

A flicker of anger crossed her face, but it was quickly masked. "Oh, come on," she scoffed, "Don't be so uptight."

I held her gaze. "Look, if we're going to be friends, it has to be genuine. Not this… this leeching behaviour."

The silence stretched. Finally, Anjali huffed and stood up. "Fine," she said, her voice tight. "If that's how you feel."The door clicked shut behind her. A wave of relief washed over me, bittersweet but undeniable. Maybe our friendship was over, but a part of me felt lighter like I'd finally shed a cumbersome weight.

Anjali might have called a few times after that, but I didn't pick up. My life was quieter now, less dictated by the irritating behaviour of a one-sided bond. I found myself cooking for myself, enjoying the peace. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of a new kind of friendship, one built on mutual respect and genuine care.

I learned a valuable lesson: It's okay to set boundaries, even with someone who used to be close. I missed the easy camaraderie of our initial friendship, but the constant undercurrent of jealousy had been a festering wound. Sometimes, letting go is the healthiest option for everyone involved.  It wasn't easy. It felt like a weight had lifted.

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Ice on the surface, fire within.

Ice on the surface fire within Break the ice

connect with the fire.

In this world we are surrounded by many faces, some etched with smiles, some crinkled with laughter, some etched with worry, others seemingly carved from stone, many shrouded in a mask of indifference, a cool, impassive facade.

The story behind all these faces is a little different. Not always do people's inner feelings and motives get mirrored by their faces. We should not take things at face value.

We all wear masks more opaque than others. At times, they are carefully crafted. That aloof colleague, that stoic neighbour, that apparently emotionless fellow passenger on the bus or fellow driver on the road: confident smirks, stoic facial expressions, and walls of sarcasm. 

But sometimes, behind such exterior coldness lies a very powerful truth: behind each mask of ice that people wear is a heart that beats like fire.

The "ice" of the metaphor may refer to all our various and multiple motives for fanning a decision to mask our true selves from other people.
This wildfire symbolizes that wellspring, so very powerful and alive, with deep feeling within each of us, often hidden from view—that abundant reservoir of feelings ranging from love to grief, anger, joy, and all those in between, all of those fueling and sustaining life here on earth.

However, the "ice" masks are varied due to diverse life experiences.

It serves varied and many purposes that are important to our emotional well-being, thereby donning a mask of ice. We have all been hurt at one time in our lives or another, some of us most probably feel disappointment, betrayal, and emotional heartache so much that it feels unbearable. And the sting of that experience made us cautious and wary, and we are afraid to open ourselves once more and let others in. 

In this emotional turmoil, walls are built to protect from harm and hurt. As such, the mask is an important defence mechanism, working actively in shielding vulnerability from further hurting and harming and causing distress to trouble one's peace of mind. And of course, this cold surface is a reflection of the past: the experiences of trauma, loss, or neglect leave scars that are wary of the bond. 

We might shut ourselves off, become suspicious, and emotionally distanced—aloof, cynical, even angry.

Social pressures 

Social pressures play a very influential role in our lives, and expectations set by society can, at the end of the day greatly dictate how we are supposed to act, finally making us suppress emotions that might be inappropriate or unacceptable in someone's judgment. The man may be driven to suppress his sadness, but a woman may try to hide her ambition. Sometimes this mask is used for protection from any adversely hostile judgments.

 In our current world, densely anchored on categorizing and then trying to shove people into those categories, we are attuned to a version that is a bit more compellingly insipid—fearing the rejection that may follow laying bare authenticity in totality. So those masks then become ways to fit in, to avoid judgment or disapproval.

For strength and resilience

Sometimes, it's a mask that we put on each day, not because we are afraid or nervous, but because there is an inner need to care for the people who, we believe, rely on us. For example, a single parent has to have a mask on his or her face that shows strength and resilience. That way, the child does not see the personal battle or adversity going on, and the child has a sense of normality and safety. 

The same hearts behind all the protective masks wish for a life where kindness and love are manifested and determine desperately how to direct the fiercely tenacious drive to protect the little ones from unnecessary anxiety or pain.


Indeed, it's a tough world out there; sometimes a mask is the required armour, and often for very valid reasons, it is carefully constructed. At the very least, it means receptivity to the thought that behind those expressionless eyes lies an ocean of passion, and experiences.


But yet, those innermost fires remain cloaked in the thick layer of ice, never really extinguished. It is the state deep inside us that eventually becomes the epitome of being human through passion, dreams, and desires.

How can one connect with the hidden depths inside themselves and also with others?


Here are some food for thought that may further help us bridge the gap between the mask and the fire:

Empathy: Not being judgmental about the frozen cover; it is best to think through these and why. What could have driven them to such extremes in protecting who they are or were?

Active Listening: Engage in a process of really absorbing and understanding the spoken and unspoken words. Observe changes in tone of voice, hesitancy at times, and finally, outbursts of passion that may suddenly break through the veneer one may present.
Active listening creates an environment where another feels free to open up and express themselves as who they truly are, without fear or hesitation.

Kindness: A simple, unsolicited act of kindness goes a long way toward melting cold and hardened barriers that people may have put up around themselves. It shows another person that it is, indeed, both a safe and welcoming world in which to make a meaningful connection with others.

The quest to find that fire within is certainly two-way traffic:

For self-affirmation and confirmation of the presence of fire in those around us. Perhaps it appears at times that these ice monsters govern the entire globe, but this is not the case; behind the mask is an orchestra of emotions, a river overflowing with passion and terror mingled with hope. True, genuine relationships emerge only when we choose, with full awareness, to connect with the fire blazing underneath the cold, impermeable ice.

Oh, yes, our world is so much richer and more colourful when we just decide to join that fire that burns deep within each of us. The more we have begun to shed our own masks, piece by piece, bit by bit, the more our true selves have begun to be revealed to others and to ourselves, with all of our true passions for others and with others, the beginning of a world in which our interactions with others are characterized by warm feelings and heartfelt connections rather than coldness and indifference.

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Inner Peace

Finding Inner Peace: The New Definition of Success.

For centuries, this has been the benchmark of success that was to be achieved for a human being: the trappings of titles to jobs, money in the bank, and, of course, material possessions.

 

But success per se is like the compass pointing north: it keeps getting revised, apart from the old definition of it. 

Today, our journey is being charted by another compass, that of the one from within. It doesn't mean that ambition goes with a faint or diminished spirit; rather, it means you've got to strike the balance between the desires of the world and the basic development of an inner oasis. 

Of course, life throws all kinds of problems or obstacles at you, but it is the growth of an inward state of peace that makes you glide through the mess with a sense of poise and balance as you cope with the difficulties of it all, let alone the thrills and spills life serves up with serenity, lucidity, and cool. You stay centred and balanced as the whole world turns topsy-turvy around you. 

Butterfly, the anchorage, though life may try to plunge one into the depths of unchartered and choppy waters. That's what great calm brings forth in a person: a stubborn kind of patience when facing storms, in fact coming out not just stronger but richer with experience from said storms.


How has inner peace become the new North Star of success?


The age of madness and the relentless chase after ambition, dictated by that almost cavalier disregard for one's own well-being, are over.

Beyond Materialism: The Dawn of a New Value Reality makes some quite compelling descriptions of how the world is changing and the concerns and priorities of one generation that have become very different over the years. 

It has gone on to affect concepts of work-life balance and mental health for generations, but above all, one can foster deep meaningful relationships. At the very heart of this fact lies a much deeper change in the conventional definition of success. 

Getting to achieve material possessions, people come to understand that inner peace ought to be born from the inside and is possible only if a person is holistic. 

On top of that, personal growth, mental well-being, and the concept of meaningful relationships are moved to the very front of what leading a good life looks like.

World Connectivity, Feeling Disconnected: The connectivity that globalization has brought into our lives is full of experiences, but at the same time, it has also initiated us to have a chance to witness negativity and comparison in performance from around the globe. Inner peace equips humans abundantly with emotional intelligence, which is important in manoeuvring challenges without pressure and envy.

How do we bring inner peace into daily life?

When one starts mindfulness practices, like meditation or breathing techniques, one observes the thoughts and feelings without any form of judgment or bias. 


Gratitude is the powerful practice that sets in moments to reflect consciously on appreciation of the many positive features of our lives, little or big in scale, that will redirect us away from what we do not have towards all the plenty that lies at our fingertips. 

It changes the way one sees the world and brings a sense of rest, a feeling of peace deep within the heart. 

Self-compassion means treating oneself exactly as one would treat a good friend with as much care and support as possible. One needs to let bygones be gone by forgiving oneself for all the wrong things done. 

That is said because your worth of being who you are is beyond your achievements and failures but in your uniqueness of soul at the core.

 Healthy relationships and work boundaries help save a lot of time and energy. 

All these taken together result in enabling a person to focus on the main crucial tasks, freeing an individual from stress and becoming calm at the end of a work-life state.


Nature Connectedness: When one is in a natural set-up it is quite a silent experience to be there. This makes one feel very replenished. If a human being can feel this stillness in a natural setup, then all the pressure and nervousness an individual experiences must be easily whisked off to give a person total relaxation. This contact finally leads to tranquillity and increased levels of well-being.

Chasing Your Passion: If we do something for which we have passion, it will fill our inner self with delight and satisfaction. It adds to the richness and energy within us and gives us some unexplainable feeling of great happiness, delight, and satisfaction. and fulfilment deep inside.

 Inner Peace is meaning, purpose, and contentment, It's an ongoing journey with ebbs and flows. Doubtless among those will be moments of stress and negativity, just as there will be those of profound peace and joy. Far from being a selfish pursuit, inner peace enables you to be there, patient, and loving in your relationships.

This inner peace endows one with the strength to face the blows of life and yet remain a source of strength and resilience to others who are weaker to face challenges. That is to mean, making a contribution toward the general good mission that human beings will have in this life—a better and more peaceful life.😊

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Life vs. Existence

Life vs. Existence: Are You Sure You Know the Difference?

"To pass time is life, and to live is existence." That basically says to make good use of our time and live life to the fullest. It's a nudge to not spend life frittering away time on crap that doesn't matter and to zero in on things that really count for you. 

Great reminder that time is super valuable and we need to make the most of it. It is as if life nudging towards contentment. Besides, it tells us that even if we are not being all that productive, we are actually living life and should take complete note of that fact.

The Art of Living with the Ticking Clock:

Living life without stressing over the ticking clock.

Life's one big wondrous journey, woven with threads of great joy and deep sorrow, love for everyone and everything in between. It is a precious gift, albeit a temporary one, and cherishing it can only mean true appreciation for the beauty of life; cherish your life and live.

Slow down and enjoy the roses:

You don't always have to be doing something big and great to enjoy life. Just think of that cool breeze in the morning hitting your face, the laughs you have with your friends and family, the tranquillity of a starry night, loving those monsoon rains, the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets—the list is never-ending. So much in life for us to notice and appreciate.

Find thankfulness: 

Appreciate the good things big or small. Be thankful for good health, family, and opportunities that come in one's way. Gratitude brings a deeper appreciation for life's gifts.

Live With Intention: 

Don't let life just pass you by. Follow your dreams, take chances, and enjoy new experiences. Allow your curiosity to guide you, and live a colourful life.

The Art of Letting Go: 

Life is transient. Clinging too tightly to the past or fearing the future makes life difficult. Learn to let go, enjoy the present moment, and trust that the future will unfold as it may.

Embrace the Full Spectrum of Emotions:

Life ain't just all sunshine and rainbows, nor a bed of roses, my friend. It is not all perfect but hard at times and sad with obstacles. And gonna hit hard, bein' very rough. But such knotty moments make one grow and the happy moments special. Don't shut out your feelings; live fully through them. It's part of life. It will knock you down and keep you there if you let it. Don't be afraid to fully feel all of your emotions. That's called being alive.

Life is all about love, you know? 

Just let your loved ones know how much they mean. Grudging is bad; release all that negativity from your soul. And keep an open heart, very much delight and happiness come from the connections that this heart should have.

Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination More often than not, we're fixated on the destination and achievements.

Enjoy the Journey, Not the Destination We tend to be too serious about our goals and their many outcomes. However, life is not a sprint; it's what people call a journey. Let life be a journey, not a race. Savour the experiences, lessons learned, and growth that you shall arrive at along the way. There is beauty in the present moment, not just the finish line.

It is just a matter of appreciating life all the time, really. It's all about living for that moment and savouring little things while really enjoying every great moment that comes by. Enjoy the experiences, embrace lessons learned, and realize growth made along the way. Therein lies beauty, not just at the end but also in the present. Inhale deeply, open up your heart toward everything around you and simply appreciate this beautiful gift called life. 

In constant practice, cherishing your life means being in the present; it is looking at the joy in small things and holding each moment totally dear. So take a deep breath, open your heart to the world around you, and savour the magical gift of life.😊😊😑

Please share your thoughts on life in the comments. Thank you.

Beyond the Spotlight

Beyond the Spotlight: The character test

Developing authenticity in the inner self is the process of self-realization and embracing one’s identity. It is about inherent being or essence as well as about values and after all it is about living. Authenticity is not about having the perfect inside and out. It became my understanding that only if a man is thoroughly honest to himself then he can be as honest to everybody else.

Integrity is a core value of the relationships that we establish with other people in society. However, there is so much more to the concept of honesty, which means telling the truth. It is all about the positive relationship between intentions, a statement or a written word and the action plan.

Integrity, on the other hand, refers to the purity of an individual’s principles or values that he or she follows. These ones whether individual, occupational, or societal play the role of a beacon that directs our choice and personality. 

It is an integration of human conduct and speech with ideas that can be regarded as a specific set of values possessed by people. It’s about maintaining and upholding these values regardless of the chance or desire to fall for the tempting offers. 

Integrity in a person means that such an individual can be trusted and his actions will not depend on the circumstances. 

They walk the talk in a manner that would make them not compromise their ways, even if they are not observed.

Having integrity, Telling the truth when it would be more convenient to tell a lie, taking into account everyone’s interest and equity, and showing respect to those you do not accept. Accepting responsibility for the decisions that one makes or makes on behalf of the larger group and the outcomes that result from such decisions. 

They tell a story about your character, your personal standard, and a sense of what is right and wrong, right and wrong will not change with the company’s culture.

Telling the truth Applying justice because everyone has a right to that and respecting people’s rights even if we do not share the same ideas. The responsibility that is taken for the decisions that are made and the outcome of such decisions. It is about honesty, a feature that helps to make decisions without considering other people’s opinions or presence.

The Power of Intrinsic Morality: Picking the right path because of the self-fulfilling joy and not for mace or recognition as a result strengthens your self-esteem. Effectively, it strengthens an individual’s predisposed notion that he or she is a good person based on his or her own standards.

Building Trust and Respect: Praise ethical behaviour that was observed internally as it strengthens the trust of subordinates to you. It shows that you are an individual that can be depended on and this is irrespective of the circumstances of the situation.

The Challenge of Temptation: The big challenge is when they call for doing right in rods. Choosing not to take a shortcut or be greedy at a time when you do not want to be seen by other people is also beneficial in terms of moral fibre.

Habit and Character: The more often they make the right choice more often they will be able to make the right decision even in the minor options. They both want ethical behaviour to become part of one’s personality and character in the long run.

’’A Way of Living: Basil of Caesarea on Integrity’’.

Integrity is not something one can flaunt; it is a principle that has to be practised. And it is a process in which one has to learn to live an authentic and ethical life ceaselessly. 

That is the strength that makes one able to hold his or her head high knowing that the course that has been taken is right and upright. As much as honesty is, it is not always about making big impressive statements. It is about the decisions that we make in our lives on a day-to-day basis. 

Thus, through seeking intent, verbal communication, and nonverbal communication, they merely be trusted, respect themselves and others, improve relationships and create a more positive environment in and around us.

When opting for integrity, not only do we make ourselves moral human beings, but we also help create a more ethical society.

If I could give you any virtue to guide your life it would be this: let integrity be your light. 😊

Please share your thoughts on integrity in the comments. Thank you.

The Introvert's Survival Guide

The Introvert's Survival Guide: How to Disappear Without Actually Disappearing

For our mental and emotional well-being sometimes, the desire to Find Your Quiet Space is perfectly normal. There are days, weeks, or certain phases of life when social interaction feels like the last thing we need.

 Maybe you're overwhelmed by daily stress, an introvert recharging after social overload, or simply seeking a quiet moment. Whatever the reason, mastering the art of avoiding people can be a valuable skill. 

The key lies in striking a balance between self-care and social courtesy.

 Here are some strategies to navigate those moments when you politely (or strategically) need to disappear, with a focus on healthy boundaries and self-care.

Understanding Your Reasons

The first step is introspection. Why do you want your Quiet Space? Identifying the root cause will help you tailor your avoidance strategy. Are you feeling overwhelmed, introverted, or simply craving some "me time"?

The Art of the Polite Decline:

Clear, straight and friendly way

 Let loved ones know you need some space. Phrases like "I'd love to chat, but I need some quiet time right now" 

The Direct but Friendly Approach 

"Hey, I'm not the right person to chat with right now. Maybe we can talk later?" 

The "Focus Time" Excuse

 "I need to focus on something right now, but let's grab coffee soon!" This sets a boundary while suggesting future interaction.

Strategic Scheduling

Planning your outings around quieter times can be a game-changer.

 Go to grocery stores at opening hours, generally very few people can afford to visit markets at opening hours.

Life revolves around routines. If you know a chatty neighbour likes to walk at dusk, consider taking yours out earlier or later. This isn't about living in fear, but about creating space for your own peace.

Embrace the Power of "No"

Don't feel obligated to attend every social gathering. It's okay to prioritize self-care. A simple "No, thank you" is a complete sentence.

Body Language

 Your body speaks volumes before you even utter a word. Keep your head down while walking, avoid eye contact in crowded spaces, or wear headphones (without blasting music) to signal you're unavailable. This isn't about appearing rude, but about creating a subtle barrier.

Find Your Quiet Havens

Seek out places that cater to solitude

Channel Your Inner Bookworm

Getting lost in a good book is a fantastic way to avoid people and recharge your mental batteries. Dive into a captivating story and let the world fade away.

Crafting Polite Excuses:

The Busy Bee: "I'm actually catching up with someone right now, maybe we can chat later?" This allows for a brief interaction while setting the stage for a future connection.

The Time-Crunched: "I'd love to chat, but I actually gotta run" is a classic escape route. Just be sure to follow through with a friendly wave or a smile.

The Future Planner: "Let's chat another time, things are a bit hectic right now" suggests you're open to future interactions, but not quite now.

Beyond Avoidance: Building a Healthy Social Life:

While avoiding people is sometimes necessary, complete social isolation isn't healthy in the long run.

 Here's how to strike a balance:

Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: Prioritize meaningful connections with a few close friends over large, overwhelming social gatherings.

Find Your Tribe: Seek out people who share your interests and understand your need for alone time.

Embrace Small Interactions: A friendly chat with a neighbour can fulfil your social needs without feeling overwhelmed.

You're Not Alone

Introverts and those who simply need alone time are not uncommon. Don't feel pressured to be constantly "on" or social. Embrace your need for solitude.

 Avoiding people isn't about being rude or anti-social. It's about managing your energy and respecting your need for solitude. Social connection is an essential human need. Avoiding people is a tool, not a lifestyle. Use it effectively to recharge and return to the world feeling refreshed and ready to connect. By prioritizing your well-being and setting healthy boundaries, you can find the perfect balance between social interaction and solitude.

Please share your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.

Whispers from the Soul

  Whispers from the Soul: Unveiling Your Authentic Self

 It is a primary question of humanities, who we are? Life is an extremely expanded scroll. It is a process that begins from the time of our childhood to our adulthood. We walk through it and come across those events which define our experiences and perception of reality. 

 

 Personal development is an excellent and lifelong process in which we learn all about ourselves and become better people. It is more about stripping off the layers that form experience, the layers that form expectations, and the layers that society puts on us. 

This journey of self-awareness is done by reflections, this is the process of being reflective and being able to search within ourselves. 

 

 Personal growth is the process of building the lifestyle that fills the life of an individual. When we know better what we important to us, what drives us, and what makes us happy, we can choose, and act in response to our inner self. 

 Elements of self-discovery

 

 What keeps the fire going in you? 

 

 Which are the actions that make you feel you want to do more of them? 

Still, it is good to know what impacts you the most: what matters to you in this world? 

 

 Do you have any perceived strengths and how about your weakness? 

 

 What makes you happy in your life? 

 

 What are your fears and how do these affect you? 

 

 That gets me to ask such questions as: What do you consider to be your core values? 

 

 Most of the time, we never get to tap into our strengths and the things we enjoy doing in our free time. In other words, it is possible to dig these nuggets out from under a pile of work and perhaps, reignite the passion that was once there. 

 

 Relationships and especially the role they play in the discovery of oneself. 

 How do you come into contact with the rest of humanity?

 

 The kind of connections the above theorists have sought, differ as depicted by the following classification. 

 It is quite beneficial to critically think about one’s interactions with other people in one’s life. Think about the characteristics that you expect in people around you. Are they your values or, on the contrary, do they reveal your personal potent desires? 

 Reflect on your conflicts, what makes you angry in terms of interactions? 

 

 Analyzing one’s relational patterns affords important information concerning one’s needs and ways of relating to other people. 

 

 The process of writing or keeping a diary, practising mindfulness and getting in touch with one’s inner self through being out in nature are all ways of introspection. 

One can easily argue that introspection is the means through which we go into the details of inner life.

Perhaps it should be mentioned that the process of self-realization takes a lifetime. When we commit our time and energy to these endeavors, we therefore revive the objective of living a more genuine or meaningful life. The person may decide to embrace their doubts and take pleasure in every characteristic that makes them unique.

 

 It is also important to be aware that while you are discovering who you are your values and wants may change. Leading yourself with this tool of introspection, you can still keep on unpacking the map of the self and discover the wonderful self that lies within. And embracing oneself is more important than being flawless to win others' acceptance. 

It’s a notion that never ends and is always ongoing: there is no countdown for self-discovery. 

 Accept this as a new change and be ready to make certain adjustments in your lifestyle. 😊 

 

 

Please share your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.

Love Paints, Respect Mends

LOVE
&
RESPECT

Love is a great feeling; it is profound and, most of the time, timeless in nature. It brings with it deep relationships, shared experiences, and mutual understanding certainly hefty in all aspects!

Love whispered in the significance of snatched moments,??

 The power that binds hearts across seas, a symphony that echoes beyond centuries. 

However, love, like the most delicate flower, can quickly be changed. Passions fade, flames flicker, yet embers of love may stay warm for a lifetime.

Respect, on the other hand, is far more sensitive. It is built on consistent demonstrations of trust, admiration, and respect for ideals and behaviours.

However, the expression goes, "Love does not die in a day, but respect does."

 As much as this provides fuel for thought, the reality differs slightly.

Love in its early stages is vivid, attractive, and lively. It uses brighter inks to paint the world, ignites a fire within our spirits, and forces us to see the best in our partners. 

We appreciate defects, see beauty in blemishes, and ride out life's storms with a helping hand. 

The erosion, however, proceeds over time as it marches ahead with determination.
Love instils itself in us via experiences, whispered secrets, and profound gratitude for another soul. It relies on trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable.

 However, even the most profound love may be tested to its limits. Familiarity, habit, and life's hardships can all dampen the passionate flame, but that doesn't imply love is gone.

Genuine love transforms into understanding, a peaceful and faithful partnership.


When the flame of love flickers, it is simple to remember what has passed—silent laughter, buried hopes. The embers still carry some warmth, reminding us of the connection that once existed.

 A crackling campfire is an excellent example of this, representing a passionate love. It burns bright and warm, casting swirling shadows. Yet, as the hours pass, embers sparkle with a gentle fire.

 Respect, like the careful maintenance of coals, keeps the fire going. The listening ear validates a partner's sentiments, allows for individual growth, and provides unflinching support during life's adversities.

Respect recognizes that the path is shared.

It evolves through open discussion, in which opposing viewpoints may be heard with an open mind.

Respect allows differences to be addressed constructively, establishing a secure environment for personal growth within the partnership. 

Respect permits us to hang on to all of the wonderful qualities of the relationship, appreciate those memories, and move forward with serenity and thankfulness.
Respect does not cease with romantic affection. Perhaps more crucially, it serves as the foundation for strong friendships, family ties, and even professional partnerships. Consider a friend who will not cross your limits, a parent who will respect your decisions or a coworker who will appreciate your work: those are connections that will last. 

Respect fosters trust, overcomes gaps, and allows individuals to be themselves.

The respect inscription is exactly what it says. Love may not always be present in the same form, but its inscription of respect ensures that the legacy endures. In my perspective, love has drawn beautiful scenes with passionate brushstrokes. Respect is the thread that binds everything together.😊

 Thanks for taking the time to read this content. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please consider leaving a comment.