And I don’t mean actually cleaning the physical house. UGH! What I’m thinking 2024 is for me is the year I’m finally gonna get “real” about relationships, both long term and short term.
Some people lift you up, some drag you down. Some people meet expectations and exceed them. Some people you keep lowering your expectations and they still disappoint. Why do we do that to ourselves?
So by cleaning house, I really am saying that some people I thought were friends, you know, the forever type? I’m moving on. It’s too exhausting to be the only one vested in the relationship. It’s too disappointing to forever be offering graciousness and latitude, gifts of kindness and opportunities, and get nothing back in return.
I know you should not “give” so that you will “receive”, but at some point the “give” doesn’t even get a thank you or an acknowledgement? And the repeated yearly “gives” become expected vs appreciated.
I just had some friends from my old hometown visit here in the mountains and we talked about life, the past, the future, shared many topics and opinions. One of the funnier conversations covered Christmas cards. One of the people that I always send to, and who never sends back, mentioned that she doesn’t spend the time or money to send them but she really does enjoy getting them and hopes to continue to receive them. I think I must’ve done a head tilt and a “huh”? Don’t you think I enjoy receiving them too? Am I not worth the cost of a stamp and the time to address a card?
I know what you’re thinking, I’m being silly, I’m being too harsh, I need to get over it. Maybe, but it just struck me that the only way to quit being disappointed, is to quit setting my self up for it to happen. So I’m cleaning house, and surrounding myself with those who appreciate my friendship, who value me as a person and understand that I am worth your time.
And I suppose I’ll be addressing fewer Christmas cards this year. (sorry for the rant, but sometimes you just need to)
suddenlysinglewomen 
Hey girl …. I completely understand where you are coming from. As we get older, that gets harder and harder to do, and sometimes feelings of “why do I bother” arise. As you know, for ’22, I didn’t get it done until January, so it was a New Year’s Card!! Ho! Ho! …..and for ’23, my Birthday Party Prep (we missed you!) got in the way, so for the first time since 1965, I didnt send cards at Christmas to anyone. I pledge to do better next year!!
Let me know next time you are in Houston, so that we can do catch up.
Hugs, Linda
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I’m headed there soon. Let me get settled and I’ll reach out. Lunch??
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I would love to see you!! Let me know. I am leaving for Japan on March 6th, so if it doesn’t work this time, let’s do it as soon as possible!!
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