The Friendship Olympics.

Another issue I have with friendships is the fact that with some people it feels like no matter what you are telling them about your children their children have done that very thing and they have done it 14 times better.

These women do not fall highly on my friendship list either.  When I meet a new friend I do not immediately tell her everything about my family.  I am certainly not going to talk about their accomplishments for fear that it might come across as bragging.  I am going to make small talk and keep the conversation focused mainly on what this new friend and I might have in common.

To be quite honest it takes me quite awhile to feel comfortable enough to tell anyone other than family about the accomplishments my family has because I don't want to come across as pompous or arrogant.

If I say to you my son was selected for the Math Olympics was does that do to you?  Do you think Wow, good for you your son went to the Math Olympics? or Do you go the self loathing route of What have I done wrong that my son isn't good enough in math to go to the Math Olympics or do you turn it on me and think to yourself What a braggart this woman is telling me about her son and how fabulous he is at Math, what a horrible woman.

What is wrong with us that we can't just celebrate the accomplishments of others without making it about ourselves?  God has created each of us so very differently.  There are many many tasks on this huge planet that need to be accomplished and if we are all the same how on earth will they every get completed?

Today I want you to evaluate your friendships.  How many are sincere?  How many are based completely on keeping up appearances?  Are you the type of friend that feels like no matter what someone tells you about their children you have to be one better?  Sit back, relax, let a friend be better at something than you are.  Celebrate that with her.  Be encouraging and sincere.  I guarantee it will feel fabulous!  You don't have to be the best at everything no matter what the world says!