No, no, this isn’t the kind of sharing you learn as a child. I’m talking about sharing your life, what’s on your heart and mind, with the people close to you. You would think that bAre I, being a blogger, am pretty good at being open with my emotions and struggles, but it’s a lesson that I’m slowly learning.
I might write about a lot here on the blog, but the deep stuff is what I keep close at hand. Maybe I’m afraid of people seeing me differently, worrying about me, not understanding me and so much more. I think a lot of us do this – keep the big things to ourselves.
After talking with my friend Sarah last weekend, we realized both of us do this a lot: keep our true thoughts to ourselves in fear of either being a burden or causing tension. We realized, however, that once we started opening up, we have many of the same thoughts, feelings and fears.
Sharing these things and discovering our commonalities not only makes us feel less alone, but it gives us someone to lean on when things are hard. I’m the type to put on a smile and say “I’m fine,” because it’s just easier than being honest. But I’ve found that being honest is a lot more productive and makes me like a burden has been lifted from my shoulders.
Of course I share these burdens with God in prayer and turn to him in need, but He gives us our family and friends for help and comfort. Even sharing my true feelings on my blog gives me so much comfort because of the amazing comments and support that I receive from readers and friends.
We aren’t meant to go through life alone or to keep the difficult parts of our lives for ourselves. That’s why we have relationships: to help, support and love one another.
Are you good at being open about your true feelings or problems?
Who do you open up to the most?
I’ve always been known to “wear my emotions on my sleeve”. I probably OVER share at times, but it helps me sort through my thoughts and emotions. I guess people around me never have to wonder about what’s going on with me! Haha. But yes, I agree – this is why God call us to come into community with one another.
I’m the same way. I’m the emotional one in my family, which might get a little annoying at times! Crying and talking about my problems helps me release them, though, in a way.
I don’t open up as easily to strangers, but in front of my husband, parents and sisters, I’m an open book.
I wish I could cry more! I actually rarely cry and it usually ends up being started by something small but then it just releases everything I’ve been holding in.
That’s a good thing though, sharing what you’re thinking! I think being open and communicating is key to any relationship
Funny u posted on this bc it’s one of my problems. I’ve always struggles with expressing myself verbally(good in writing lol) but am the person ppl always lean on but it’s something I am working on too. Prayer definitely helps me immensely.
Haha I’m the same, I would rather write a letter or email to someone than have to try and explain myself by talking!
I’m most open with my husband. He knows every thought in my head. haha I’m generally a pretty open person though. It’s hard for me when I don’t feel comfortable with someone and am like crap, how do I not tell them my life story? haha
That’s what I hope from a marriage – completely honest and open communication! That’s great that you two have that connection.
I love that you posted about this. I too believe it helps so many to just TALK about some things that are hard in life because it makes us all feel like we’re in it together. I have a tendency to only talk to certain people about tough stuff, so this is a good reminder! <3
Thanks, Annette! I agree – it makes us feel like we’re in life together rather than alone!
Good topic! I share with my husband and Mom. With friends it’s much harder for me. The super close, tell each other everything friendships aren’t there as much anymore. We are all busy with kids, work, families, etc. I guess not having time to hang out plays into. Having a good support system is so important though.
But that’s great that you have your husband and mom to lean on! I’m definitely not that close to my mom, nor do I have a husband, which is why I reach out to friends!
For me, it definitely depends on the person. I have a few friends I can really talk to but both unfortunately and fortunately two of them are starting Peace Corps right now. I think it will be a good thing for me though to become closer with other people. I tend to be the person that says ‘I’m fine’ because It is both easier and I do not want to be a burden (as you said above). Of course, expressing your feelings to someone is really important though. I was able to learn the benefits of that as well in my self and identity class last quarter (psych elective for psych majors).
Me too, I always say “I’m fine” or “everything is good” because I just don’t want to share! But it’s so important to share with close friends.