I say that the people in my life are my treasures who enrich my life immeasurably. I never take them for granted, since I learned many years ago that everyone is on loan to us. Like it or not, everyone in our lives will one day die or leave us or we will die or leave them.

Although I don’t recall them instructing me directly, I witnessed my parents treating those in their inner circles with respect and love. So-called strangers were welcome in their lives so that the circumference expanded. Every day, my own stretch as new people enter my sphere and our souls overlap. I am amazed but never surprised when those who weren’t even on my radar screen when the day began, are now a connection. Chalk it up to social media or in person path-crossing. Either way, it delights me to no end.

Real-a-tion-ships thrive on attention and nurturing and without those, they wither and die.

One value that I hold dear in any relationship, whether it is family, friendship, romantic or business, is in this question, ‘what can I be counted on to do?’

Here’s what I came up with as I take my own inventory:

To be available as a supportive friend.
To listen with as open mind and heart as I can.
To offer the best of myself.
To share ideas and resources.
To be on time for appointments, unless I renegotiate.
To follow through on agreements.
To tell those in my life how I feel about them, knowing that the chance may not come again.
To speak up if I witness bullying or other unfair treatment.
To spread ‘good gossip’ about people I know who are putting their work out into the world.
To tell people I am proud of their accomplishments since event the most successful people sometimes feel like they operate in a vacuum.
To see the highest in others, even if they may act in unskillful ways.
To be open to hearing what others have to say, even if I don’t particularly like it.

To be a fun friend.
To be reliable.
To go for a win-win.
To acknowledge my role in any interactions, knowing that every relationship is 100/100.
To sit explore options and possibilities, rather than throwing up walls and blocks.
To deliver more than I promise.
To be easy to work with.
To meet deadlines.
To be honest, if I think someone is doing something harmful.
To love with my whole heart.