Hey friend,
Yesterday morning, I was chatting with my friend who is so natural at gifting. She loves choosing gifts and giving people thoughtful things. She genuinely enjoys it. Meanwhile, I am still thinking about how stressful the whole thing is for me. I hardly ever know what to choose, and the entire process feels like a job I never look forward to.
That conversation reminded me that we all show up differently in friendship. What feels joyful and effortless for one person might feel draining for another.
Not showing up in the same way does not always signify a lack of interest. It might simply mean that their strengths, motivations, and natural expressions of love are different.
I have definitely been one to “side eye” certain friends for not doing things the way I would naturally do them, and I realise that is not fair. The lesson for me here is to pay attention to the other ways people express themselves.
Friendships thrive when we understand the differences and communicate our needs rather than judge.
Question:
What are the natural ways you show up in friendship, and what comes naturally to your friends?