Friends are Everything

I couldn't help but post a blog on this topic when I got my email from Inspired Living care of my favourite self help website - www.walkthetalk.com.

Cindy Lew: “Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store or under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.”

I am happy to say that I have been able to maintain the friendships from my past failed love relationships. I guessed its because all of them started with friendship and throughout the relationship, those friendships were continuously nurtured. So even when the passion and intimacy were gone, the respect and goodwill borne out of friendship remained.

This, I believe, is what wives and mothers always lose focus from - building and maintaining and nurturing honest-to-goodness friendship with their husbands and kids (some even have the misconception that only people outside their family can be the good friends).

Are you the first person your husband consults when he is about to make a major decision, even if its a personal one (something that doesnt really affect you or your kids)?

Can your husband deliver the most outrageous jokes with you laughing and appreciating the humor?

Can your husband show his weakest side to you and trust you to be the strong wall to lean on and the shoulder to cry on?

Can your husband appreciate something or someone without you taking it too personally (and yes, feel insecure or jealous)?

Can you tell your husband honestly that there are things you want to do alone though it doesnt mean that you dislike him being with you, you just need your personal space from time to time?

Do you and your husband share some fun-filled hobbies or activities? (it can be something as simple as a watching a favourite tv show or playing a computer or mobile phone game)

Can your children talk openly about everything that happened to them (even if they think you won't approve or agree with how they were involved)?

Can your kids tell you that they need some time alone without you hovering over like some overacting mother hen?

Do your kids like you to join their activities, even those that are "cool" because they love doing them with their peers?

Do your children kid you like you're one of them? Do they trade jokes with you trusting that you and they can take it?

Does your husband and kids hug you and tell you they love you just because? (this is my all time stress reliever, I tell you!)

FRIENDS ARE EVERYTHING BUT FRIENDSHIP BUILT AND NURTURED RIGHT INSIDE YOUR HOME MAKES YOU THE BEST FRIEND YOU CAN EVER BE OUTSIDE.