I sat at dinner with my two closest Seattle friends, Vanessa and Candace. We spoke of many things but one thing resonated with them. I know this because they both mentioned it in days to come. To me, it was a passing comment but to them it seemed more. I realised that I had said something so true and personal that most people won't admit it... out loud, at least.
That however is my signature stupidity/charm.
I am a mirror.
It is a social skill and helps me build rapport faster than any other skill.
People think mirrors are out to mirror behaviour and that it is insincere. That is not the case.
Being a mirror is a great social skill. However, it is not about giving up who you are to satisfy the audience No. It so is not.
Being a mirror is about understanding the level of authenticity and emotional investment that each individual needs. Not about giving up who you are.
Some people need to connect intimately, some superficially. Some need to fall in love and others need to emotionally bounce off you and boost their ego. We walk in and out of the lives of people to give them what they need. That's a good way to see the world.
Recently, I felt a lot of emotion for an amazing man. He didn't want a relationship but needed support. I gave him that and we are no longer friends. That challenged me because I fell in love a little. My sadness is warranted because I helped him and thought we wanted the same thing but I was mistaken. I needed to remember that sometimes we give and don't receive and that is ok. We walk in and out of people's lives but mirrors carry a massive weight.
We know what you need and we give it because we care about you. Most people don't get that.
Sitting with two mirrors at dinner, I realised I am not alone. We find each other to help carry the weight that is thrust on us. I'm grateful to you two, Nessy and Candy. Even when those we carry for don't ever realise it.
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