I’ll be the first to admit I suffer from fear of rejection. Most of us do, if we’re honest.<\/p>\n
It’s played a significant role throughout my life. There are many times where it gets superseded, but more often than not it’s there, lurking beneath the surface of many decisions I make.<\/p>\n
“Be The First” came up in a podcast I was listening<\/a> to recently. It refers to the principle of being the first to initiate in human interactions and relationships.<\/p>\n They offer simple examples, such as, be the first to…<\/p>\n I’ve been reactionary when it comes to any human relationships for a long time.<\/p>\n As we all know, seemingly small events early in our lives can shape us in enormous ways for the rest of it.\u00a0One such event that I’ve written about before was when a close friend told me to “leave her alone” because I was just “annoying” her – I literally annoyed her with my presence.<\/p>\n I’ve always pulled back from friendships ever since. I never give too much too soon.\u00a0Instead, I gauge where they’re at, and (re)act accordingly. This ensures they don’t get more “friendship”\u00a0than they want or need<\/a>, and protects me from\u00a0getting hurt.<\/p>\n Win, right?! Not quite.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Since hearing this line, I’m consciously trying to be aware of times where I wait to respond, instead of initiate. Turns out I do it all the time.<\/p>\n Responding is safe. You can’t go wrong. When\u00a0a friend is intimate by\u00a0sharing something with you, now you can do it too.<\/p>\n\n
What does being first mean?<\/h2>\n