Might as well put a disclaimer here because I already know.

Polarizing topic ahead.

For the better part of my adult life, and countless times in the military, I’ve been accused/subject to attention for/questioned (or whatever term you want to use) regarding unduly familiar relationships with others, both up and down the chain.

Honestly, I believe I just have the face of someone who can be trusted. Really, there’s no malicious intent. I have an invisible sign on my forehead stating “Please, tell me your life story”. I wish I was kidding. It happens so often it must be there, only visible to everyone else.

The reason I bring this up is not out of frustration or complaint or, even, excuse. It’s fascinating to me. I have very intimate relationships and knowledge of people I may only have had acquaintance-style encounters with. I know things. It often gets misconstrued to having formed very deep relationships with others (from an outsider’s perspective) yet I really do not have this depth. Yet I do. I believe it leads to jealousy and a lack of understanding in other relationships. I don’t know how to offer reassurance here, it’s just me. Must be that empath stuff again. Full disclosure: it is exhausting.

‘Tis my blog so I can be as transparent or as abstract as I wish. The fascination lies in knowing there are others out there with the same qualities and my research-focused brain wants to speak to them. I want to know how this happens…does it come from listening, from allowing others to speak freely, or from pointed questions? All of the above? Is it possible for others to cultivate these relationships with virtual strangers or is it proximity? I genuinely want to understand.

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I ask you –

Do you have strong relationships with acquaintances?

Is this a new idea to you?

(The post Loading… first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

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