Families & Strangers!!!

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It’s fascinating how strongly one stranger can affect our day. Whether by their kind words or deeds, or even when they go out of their way to help us out of a tight fix, it’s usually something that we never get to forget, and it can make us see the rest of the day in a good light. Just one warm smile from a stranger or a helping hand from one who has no obligation to give it to you will always stick in your mind.

This is because no matter how guarded we are, we love it when people help or notice us simply because they see us, and not because they are meant to help us. We get their true feelings, no strings attached, and that usually says a lot. Hell, many times, people attach more meaning to it than the one they get from their family members and friends.

Every day, we receive help from friends and family. You simply ask for it, and it’s yours for the taking. So, you don’t really think much of it, because in a way, you’re entitled to it. As a matter of fact, the day you ask for that help and they refuse to give it, it could mark a shift in the dynamics of the relationship. And then, it also works when a total stranger chooses to help you. From something as basic as helping you carry a heavy load from the mall to your car, or helping you pay for something. All with no strings attached.

This also helps when it comes to issues like compliments and appreciations. When your friends compliment your looks, it makes you feel good. But it never really feels as good when a total stranger gives the same compliment. You don’t know for sure if your friends are only telling you that you look good simply to make you feel good about yourself. Your family might also tell you that simply because they might feel obligated to do so. But then, a stranger is under no such obligation. They could have ignored you, but they chose to go on a whim and compliment you. That’s powerful.

And sadly, it’s also the reason why social media can be a hill where the pressures can really get to anyone. Simply because of the high that comes from being accepted and loved by strangers, many people are willing to do and undo. Even at the cost of their friends and family. Many people have lost so much because of this social media issue, but they’re willing to risk it because family and friends will “love them regardless”. They can always go back to ask for forgiveness. So, they keep kowtowing to the whims of the public.

So, what am I trying to say here? We need to learn to stay off issues that will place us in a constant position to seek validation and love from total strangers. And while we chase the influencer lifestyle, and on our way to being celebrities, we shouldn’t lose our families and friends in the process. Because the world out there is really brutal, and if things don’t go as planned, we’ll just return to square one. Back to where it all started for us.

So, no matter how good and sweet it feels to be loved and complimented by strangers, let's not dismiss the family members and friends that have been with us from day one. We can always do better.

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_{Thank you for reading. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below, I would love to know what you’re thinking. Till we meet in the next post.}

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_{N.B: All images used in this post are mine. The thumbnail was designed using Canva.}

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