Listen... I want to say something

   In the journey of life we come across many people and subconsciously we keep picking our favorite people throughout the way. These people could be anyone like a sibling, a close friend, a colleague, simply anyone. You just strike a chord with someone and they get added to your list of my people.

   A very essential milestone of any relationship is the part where two people are comfortable enough to confide in each other, not out of obligation but just because they want to. So what are the criteria for being an ideal confidante. When do we get the feeling that yes..,I can talk to this person. When it comes to me, I confide in people who are willing to listen to me, understand me. No matter if they differ with my opinions or feelings but their love and concern for me matters. Most importantly the person should not be judgmental. There have been times when I have wanted to share a specific thing with a specific person just because I know that this specific person will understand what I want to say or they know me so well that they are able to read in between the lines.

   Luckily for me, I have a pretty good number of people with whom I can share my thoughts without any fear. Also the other way round, I have few close friends who are comfortable enough in talking it out with me. It feels good to know that someone trusts you so much. A one hour chat or a 5 minute quick exchange of words can just give you a sense of contentment. Many a times chatting with a person you yourself get some quick insights like yes I must do this or simply why didn't I think about this earlier.

   The trickier part of this entire process is when someone shares their concern and needs your opinion.. Uh-oh... Well I think I am not really very good at it. I actually get caught up in things like is it right or wrong; is this good for the concerned person; Am I hurting them by giving a straightforward opinion or actually hurting them by being diplomatic or not giving any opinion. I have once got bashed by my friend for giving diplomatic answers. Again this same person later told me that its actually good that you don't give opinion because I don't want any opinions, I just want you to listen to me without being judgmental. ;-)

   Coming to the next trickier part... What happens when you share your mind with the wrong person. You will be judged; people will make fun of you or your problems may end up in gossip sessions or you will be bombarded with unsolicited advises. Its better to have a filter and share your thoughts only with the people you trust, your go-to people.

   Being able to express your vulnerabilities, no matter in what way, is a blessing. You could express it by talking to someone or any other creative way like writing poetry or stories or any other healthy way. It is an acknowledgement of whatever you are going through and understanding your own state of mind. In today's hectic lifestyle, we unknowingly become careless about our health, specially our mental health. We undermine the importance of our mental health and tend to dismiss vital signs as trivial mood swings, which in turn affect our physical health. The sad part is sometimes we ourselves don't realize that we need help. That is the time when you need a bunch of idiots who will shake you up and ask "What the hell is going on with you". It's better to vent out before you turn into a volcano and spill your lava.. :D

     So people...Talk it out... Write it down... Dance it off... but don't dismiss it just like that... Express without fear.. Let go of yourself. Things will fall in their place in due time.. Till then take care...
Happy venting... :)

P.S. My go-to people... Please don't turn into a Volcano.. I am scared of your lava. Hahaha :D
Please reach out to me in time. Long distance buddies.. I am just a phone call away, (No matter how many times you accuse me of being busy or not having time for you)