Intimacy Levels & Roles

That's what we call the people we smile at and see off and on ... the clerk at the post office, the friendly sales clerk who remembers us, the ex-receptionist from our old job, long forgotten high school classmates. Its all the people who we recognize but do not know very well.

People we enjoy being around, who share a mutual respect for each other ... and act in each other's best interests ... move into the category of friends. And there are all sorts of different friends ... based on how well we know them, what we share with them and the role they play in our life.

From the receptionist to the cubical or flat mate ... these are all the people we know only because we work or live with them. Often, being close in terms of work or living space is the only thing that brings us together. And when someone leaves, we rarely keep in close contact, if at all. Often, our livelihood or housing situation them into internal allies and subconscious competitors.

If you work for someone else, you have one ... and often more than one as you look up the ladder.

There are neighbors and then there are Neighbors. The first we only recognize because their key fits into the lock next door. The latter we create a community with ... and are ready to help out when ever the need arises ... whether its with a much needed cup of sugar, a cold glass of lemonade on a hot day, or a great tip on where to get free trees.

Although everyone nowadays goes to school, real teachers are still rare. Many teach more than just how to learn ... and often by example teach us how to live.

We are born into a family system that already exists. And we often grow up around people with whom we share common DNA. How well we get along depends on the common values we share, the availability of resources, and the attitude of the strongest members of the family.

We we want to do something that requires a committed involvement from more that one person, we choose or acquire partners who share ideas, resources and the hard work ... as well as the rewards and profits.

Ever had someone help you become who you were meant to be, giving you good insights and explaining the tradeoffs ahead on the paths of life open to you? That is what a good mentor does ...

Do you have anyone in your life who champions your dreams and gives them wings? Someone who loves you and helps you become who you were meant to be? Rare as they are, they do exist.