Many
people enjoy the challenge of chasing after someone
but lose interest once feelings become mutual. The
real challenge is growing with someone, not
simply "catching" them. Pursue somebody
because you want to be with that person, not because
it is a challenge for your ego.
Once
in a relationship, I have found it challenging to
maintain the balance between being a good friend to
my guy friends and spending time with my girlfriend.
Sometimes being around the two at the same time is
especially tough. It's difficult to show a sensitive
side around guy friends without being ridiculed or
teased. Guys can be pretty harsh with each other,
especially during adolescence. Ideally, friends would
encourage all aspects of ourselves; in reality, this
is not always the case. Mostly, guys tease each other
about relationships because they are jealous of the
time and energy spent with the girlfriend. They miss
spending quality time with their close friend. I have
learned that it is futile to try to please or impress
guy friends by treating my girlfriend differently
around them. I just act how I want to act with my
girlfriend and let my friends accept this other side
of me.
At
the same time, I have also learned how important it
is not to neglect your friends once you are in a
relationship. Your friends will be around when your
relationship ends. Every group of friends has that
one person who "disappears" when they begin
a relationship. You don't hear from them for like a
year and you know why. Don't be that person!
Friendships provide a lifetime of love and
understanding; most relationships are fleeting.
Breaking Up Is Hard
To Do
