relational creatures ...

We are relational creatures. All humans live in community, and most people seek social interaction. In Western culture, isolation is seen as one of the most stringent of punishments. Even criminals do not aspire to solitary confinement.

Positive, affirming relatinships bring great pleasure, but poor relationships bring deep pain. I would be so bold as to suggest that life's greatest happiness is found in good relationships, and life's deepest pain is found in bad relationships. If you feel loved by your mother, then the maternal relationship brings you a feeling of comfort and encouragement. On the other hand, if your relatiohsip with your mother is fractured, you probably suffer feelings of abandonment. If you were abused by your mother, you likely feel hurt and anger, maybe even hatred.

Another reality about relationships is that they are never static. All of experience chages in relationships, but few of us stop to analyze why a relationship gets better or worse.
fr: "The Five Love Languages for Singles" by Gary Chapman

What do I say? I have felt isolation as a little girl not having friends so my bike and my books became my place of excape. I felt isolated when I wanted to play in a neighborhood game but brother said I couldn't. I grew up in isolation as others around me found boyfriends then marriage and then families of there own. I have fought hard to reach out. Now as I have made friends isolations turns to abandonment. They leave me. My heart aches and arches against them as I scream out that I will not be where I am not wanted.

However, I choose to walk in soft beauty. I will continue to refine my loving. I will first love myself and tend to my heart's tears, but I will still reach out even when I am afraid of the bite that could come. I will entrust to God this journey I don't understand and the man I tried to touch. God promises to Guard what I give for that day. I am struggling with the waiting. Yet, I kneel in awe of empathy. I am returning to my journey of Joy. I turn my eyes to My Horizon. I delight and savor in Him.

tank'en on love : questions for five love languages