I've been in a situation where I continue to get older. One thing, I began to realize all kinds of things, like long-lasting relationships that don't just happen by luck. They came out of some kind of life you're trying to build for yourself.
The more my own personal life decided to align itself together, the more I noticed the type of people I naturally connect with and the peace that comes with connecting to the right kind of person. I've realized that when you spend so much time with people who have dealt with their insecurities, they've built themselves, and in time, life becomes lighter.
These are the friends that are not willing to compete with you. They are already whole by themselves and they are good on their own. They don't throw unnecessary kind of comments and they don't get jealous over those little things. They don't project their battles onto others.
So, they are now at the position where they take responsibility for their own actions and blame themselves instead of others. Financial responsibility plays a very big part because it's about being rich. It's not about being rich, but it's about being disciplined, knowing what really matters and how to be responsible for your finance. Friends who manage their lives tend to avoid grieves, that reflects in our relationship with them.
No money, all kinds of money tensions, no resentment, just honesty and a kind of balance. And then, there are friends who know how to love themselves because they are already in love. Maybe their spouse, their kids, their parents or their community. These people understand what is meant by sacrifice. They understand patience, so they care about things that are bigger than them. Being around them teaches them gentleness.
All these things are very important to building a strong and reliable relationship. But what stands at the most is purpose. When the person wakes up every day with that clear direction, there is a little room for so much drama.
You don't create problems because they are focused on becoming the better version of themselves. And being around people like that pushes us to rise well. The discrepancies begin to feel meaningful. They are not draining anymore. These plans become very exciting. They are not stressful again. The friendships fuse like real growth is happening.
I've learned in this position that peace does not just come by accident. You earn it. You work for it. It's a by-product of choosing the right people to build your life with, to start with, and to die with.
The more I decide to put my own life in order, the more those long-lasting friendships seem to appear and come very, very naturally. Almost as if they were ready for me to not go in them and float. And that is life for you.