I know for a fact that I'm not the only one that reads quotes as a method of coping with things that I go through in life. Whether I'm seeking inspiration or need a boost of confidence to help me finish assignments at work or school, I have a tendency to read and decipher quotes that I think relate to me. Lately I've noticed that others using quotes to deal with relationship issues. When I say others, I'm definitely not speaking code for "myself" simply because I lack both, the relationship and the issues. Continue reading if you're one of these people I'm referring to because I have a feeling this is about to get good.
I have friends on facebook and tumblr that severely overuse Maya Angelou's quote, "The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them." Oftentimes, this is in reference to a failed relationship or someone disappointing them. I know this simply because of the comments that usually follow. I happen to love this quote, but am tired of reading it all the time. In fact, Maya Angelou has numerous quotes that are wise and inspirational, but this one, in particular, is one of my favorites. If you're in a relationship and an incident occurs that completely shocks you, one in which the person you're dating seems like a totally different person that does foul things, please don't think that it will be a one time occurrence. The person may apologize and you may forgive them, but don't act shocked when it happens again. Foul incidents include but are not limited to the following: cheating, lying, physical or verbal abuse, and many other activities.
I get it. We all want to be in love with a person that loves us unconditionally so we are willing to accept mistakes that people may make with hopes of it all becoming a fairy tale at the end. We're saddened when it all ends and the fairy tale ending is never achieved. What do you do when that person you thought was the answer ends up being the person that causes you to ask "Why?" You accept it for what it was. I truly believe that people are in our lives for seasons and when they may return when the time is right. I also believe that if a person has you analyzing quotes to cope with the disappointment they've created, they're not the one for you.
As far as relationships go, I swear by a quote from Andrew Carnegie which states, "As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do." If a person says they like, love, and/or care about you that's great. Do their actions back up their claims? If so, that's perfect! If not, take a step back and evaluate your relationship. There is nothing worse than caring for someone more than they care for you. Well there are worse things, but you get my drift. More than likely Carnegie was not thinking about my love life when he said these words, but I managed to find a way to relate. This awesome quote can be used in referenced to anything.
So if you're one of those people that are constantly copying and pasting quotes that you think will be seen by the person it's referring to, you should probably stop. I'm a fan of quotes that encourage and inspire me to become a better person. Start looking up quotes that do the same for you. Once you're the best possible you, the person that's "made for you" will come along. At least that's what I'd like to believe...
Thanks for reading, feel free to post your thoughts!
Alexandria B.
