A couple of times throughout our lives, we find ourselves saying these six words. Sometimes it is to someone we have known a long time and other times it is to the stranger who started talking to us on the bus. Whether we actually voice these six words or we say them in our heads, we know it to be true.
When I do find myself feeling this way towards someone, I tend to ask myself what it is that makes me feel so strongly about them. What made them significant enough that I felt joy by simply being aquatinted. I wanted to know the specifics and I still haven't figured out all of them. What I have come to find is that there are a few key characteristics that stand out when I decide who in my life is special enough to make me pause and thank God for blessing me with their presence. My obsession with trying to figure out these characteristics is due to the fact that I strive to be that person for as many people as possible. Maybe it is selfish, but I can't help but try. To do this I had to develop the characteristics I jotted down when I reflected on the people in my life I clung on to. Here are a few...
They make me feel wanted - Even if it is something as simple as asking me to edit their paper or braid their hair. To know that my presence is required makes me feel important.
They are kind - Being around them feels like I had sunshine for breakfast. We all have those people that being around them means wearing rose-colored glasses. Things are more beautiful, people are less irritating, and everything is a little more funny.
They make me smarter - Sure, mom is right when she tells me that there is something to learn from everyone, but there are a select few who make you feel as if you can earn a degree just by listening to them talk about their experience. Most of the time, these people do not even have to be smart. To me, the easiest people to learn something from are PASSIONATE people. You learn how to play the guitar from PASSIONATE guitar players. You learn about nature from people who spend their whole lives dedicated to tracking as many miles as they can on dirt paths and trails.
They are reliable - It is the person you can always count on to get lunch with you. It is the girl in your class that always helps you with your study guides. It is the boy who let's you know that you can call them if you ever feel unsafe when you are alone. It is the friends who text you to see if you got home safe.
Of course there are millions of ways to be significant and sometimes there are no reasons imaginable as to why someone is significant in your life. The hardest part for me to come to terms with was the fact that NOT EVERY SIGNIFICANT PERSON IN MY LIFE WAS MEANT TO STAY SIGNIFICANT.
Just to make sure you get the message... not every person that is significant in your life will stay that way.
Your best friends in high school were more than significant. They helped you through a rough and exciting four years. They saw you cry. They helped you move on. They pushed you to be greater and they were always there. Then college rolls around and does what it does best: Change you. We often forget that the people around us are changing too. We go off to college and find out who we truly are and what we actually care about and our old friends are out there doing it too. This can be pretty awkward for a group of friends who once knew everything about each other. The reunion is strange, and a little sad. Small talk slips out of our mouths before we can stop it and we spend the rest of the conversation mad at ourselves for being unable to talk with them like we once could. We catch up, hug, and walk away with a bittersweet feeling. Our high school friends will always have a special place in our hearts, but it is good feeling to know that you can move on without them and watch each other succeed from afar. This is simply a part of growing up.
We have all had that one person who made our hearts believe they had just ran a marathon. The people who made us feel loved or wanted. When we are young, we believe that every relationship will be the LAST relationship. We cling on to significant others as if they are only hope for a lasting relationship. Me, on the other hand, will kindly thank every 'one that got away'. I understand that not every boy who makes me feel special will BE special forever. I find peace in knowing that even the temporary interests have a purpose. Whether it helps you understand what you want, what you need or who you are, every relationship brings out something good (even if it ends badly).
I could go on forever about each individual I have been so glad to meet, but I am guessing that most people do not have a year to read this post. So in short, I would like to list a generic few.
To the teachers that made me smarter, wiser and more well-rounded, I am glad I met you.
To the boys who helped me find my worth, redefine my expectations and make me feel needed, I am glad I met you.
To the old friends who made me laugh, listened to me, and helped me, I am glad I met you.
To the college friends I made my freshman year, I am glad I met you.
To the future people who will make me happy, who will share their experiences, who will change me, I can't wait to meet you.
Sincerely.
Sidney
