I think this very much hits the nail on the head; perhaps it’s not sufficient, but I do think, on some level, it’s necessary, whether acknowledged or not, whether recognized or not.

A woman’s desire for attention/affirmation is a topic I’ve been mulling around in my mind…been debating about whether to blog about it.

Razzler, we might as well be twins. Enough said. ;) (Thanks for your input – I could have said the same thing, almost verbatim. And I love your “ramblings” for the record. ;))

Red Wine Gums,

I think I tend to be like you in nature, but whereas you’ve rarely had it broken, I’ve had it broken time and time again.

There’s this tension I face, as Razzler aptly pointed out, of naturally giving it, being burned, and then having to remind yourself to be wary. So I give trust but my eyes are wide open when they need to be.

There’s a part of me, though…that…within reason, purposefully continues to choose to give trust until it is broken. And then there are Jesus’ teachings which say to forgive seventy times seven…turn the other cheek, love your enemy, pray for those who curse you. And that part of me, the part that longs to be like Jesus, to love with His love, to forgive with His forgiveness, to see others as He does… cries out in protest against those who constantly warn “Guard your heart.” Yes, it’s prudent to be…prudent. ;) And I’m not suggesting throw all caution to the wind…but I willingly choose to extend trust until it is broken, and then I reassess as needed. Idealist? Perhaps. But I choose to see the good in people while fully acknowledging the evil and brokenness we all walk in.

I wonder how much of that, however, is tied to my personality, my intense intuition, or my cultural background. Does it matter? Perhaps not, but it is interesting to examine, because I tend to…judge (read, NOT be “judgmental” but rather assess) those to whom trust must be earned (questioning why they don’t, also, give trust freely)…but then I am grounded by reality and remember that all have been created uniquely and all of our pasts and life experiences are different and who am I to judge (in the “judgmental-ness” sense of the word).

This came up recently for me working with a team of students because the starting premise we have individually on this question will determine how we work together as a team. There are those who are apt naturally to extend trust until it has been broken; there are others with whom trust must be earned. Learning to recognize the differences and navigate accordingly will really help the team to function well.

Have a great day!

Not with all people, I hasten to add, but with some.

I have more thoughts, but they would be too rambling. Maybe a post is coming on this…