You have many relationships in your lifetime. So do I. Family, friends, close friends. And lots of acquaintances. We will have different experiences with all of these.

As I was writing this piece, I learned a wonderful friend of mine died yesterday. I’m lovingly adding how he so beautifully fits into this.

A dear friend of mine died yesterday. Someone I’d known for thirty two years. The instant I learned of his death … the experiences, love and respect I had for him rushed to my mind. Visiting all the deep layers of the relationship we had so lovingly nurtured for decades.
Is this the norm? No. There are special people in your life who match with you, touch you in ways few do during a lifetime.
We touched each other. Made ourselves vulnerable to one another. No holds barred. No judgement. Just a love and sharing that fills one’s soul . We were willing to go there. No accomplishments, resume items discussed. Just values, relationships. Ours, others.
The layers of ours relationship weren’t complex. They simply formed slowly over the thirty two years we knew one another. One after the other. As over and over we shared new learnings about one another.

I talk to my brother every morning. So much content to draw on. Childhood experiences, our father (a lot of stuff here). Challenges, different perspectives on things. The previous days sports scores. Sad things, happy things too. We are “locked and loaded.” Would do absolutely anything for one another.

Like my dear friend above my brother and I have discovered over the years that our relationship continues to find new levels … deeper layers we uncover that enrich what we share together. We had an older brother who drowned in a pond at age two. I was six moths old. My brother hadn’t been born yet. “How do you think Ricky’s death impacted us? Mom drank for forty plus years. Cried on everyone of Ricky’s birthdays. Dad never mentions name.” This was so tragic. And yet it strangely strengthened the bond between us in ways words don’t touch. As we talk each morning, all the laughter, remembrances reach for new layers. New levels of self awareness for us both.

Granted, there are not many of you who talk to a sibling daily like I do. But you have friends you are more deeply connected to. Relationships that “feed” you more fully than others. Your “go to” guys and gals. I have a guy in Houston I’ve coached for twelve years. Just discovered a month ago he’s a very accomplished country singer and guitarist! Go figure … twelve years?! I never knew. An additional “layer” in our relationship for us to enjoy.

My point? We can all spend time meeting new people, making new friends. Many of us even count. “Look how many friends I have!” Friends? Depends on your definition. Maybe your find yourself counting a lot of acquaintances? Are there layers with some more than others? The new things that might bond you with those few friends more deeply … and yes more intimately.

Suggest you might go through the rolls. At what level would you imagine, think about each of your relationships. Are there additional layers you might explore?
Most believe healthy relationships are a key to happiness. Nurturing how we connect with others. Reaching to uncover new layers is so worth it.