Welcome back to the LOVE LETTER series!
I’m so glad you are here to check out “mom message” #4….
NO STRINGS ATTACHED
Also known as NSA.
I’m not referring to the mainstream definition….in terms of relationships.
Nope, I’m hoping to give a slightly different meaning to this term,
a more positive one. Just read on and you’ll understand.
1. Showing no special conditions…
2. Not requiring or holding expectations/
3. Doing something without asking for anything in return…
As your mom, I wish certain things for you. Many that top my list do not involve money, popularity, or power. Rather, I hope that you grow up to be happy. I hope that you grow up and follow your dreams. I hope that you grow up and find the love of your life. But, most importantly, without a doubt, I hope you grow up to be humble, gracious, and someone who always treats others with kindness.
To be this kind of person, I challenge you to follow the 3 statements listed above. You can do this through the following:
1. NO SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Become the type of friend to those around you that loves unconditionally. It does not matter how often you see them or who makes more of the effort. It will never be equal. Don’t keep count…we all make mistakes. Forgive others, even when they don’t seem to deserve it. Accept people’s flaws. Embrace their weaknesses and shortcomings. Recognize the good in each person and focus on what they have to offer. Appreciate the moments you do spend together, even if they are seldom. We will all go through different phases and stages in life. You will learn you have different friends for different reasons. This is perfectly okay and actually a good thing.
2. EXPECTATIONS
Give freely without any expectation. Give your time. Give your energy. Give your opinion. Give a helping hand. When you give, be sure to do it wholeheartedly, without feeling obligated. Don’t anticipate a thank you. Don’t yearn for recognition or reward. Don’t seek praise or acknowledgment. The accolades are short lived. It’s important to be someone who strives to make people happy and gives to others without ever expecting anything in return. Be selfless. Be generous. You
SHOULD hold your friends accountable, but you SHOULD NOT hold things against your friends when they don’t show up (literally or figuratively). We all fall short. We all disappoint. We all fail to meet expectations.
3. INCLUSIVITY vs. EXCLUSIVITY
When it comes to love, I typically won’t give this type of advice….being inclusive instead of exclusive. But, I believe with friendships, it is important to live inclusively. I’m not implying that you become friends with anybody and everybody. It’s okay to be selective, but at the same time, remember not to limit yourself. Give people a chance. Stay open and avoid judgment. When it comes to friends, do your best to always include others. It can be a lonely world out there. Some of us are more extroverted. Some of us are better conversationalists. Some of us just need to be understood.
Living your life with a No Strings Attached attitude should be admired rather than seen as a distasteful way of thinking. It doesn’t have to be about a lack of commitment. It shouldn’t be about coming and going as you please. It can be honorable. It can be something that changes the way people view relationships and how they treat one another. It can create tolerance, acceptance, and a lot more love in this world.
My little love….I hope you grow up to be the man I know you can be…..one who is a true gentleman, one who gives a new and noteworthy meaning to
“NO STRINGS ATTACHED”.
Love,
Mom
