Naming this Blog…A Few Hints

Thanks to everyone who has contributed ideas to re-name this blog. As I’ve looked over the suggestions, there are definitely some that resonate. So I thought I’d provide a few hints on what I’m looking for in the direction of this blog.

First, this is about relationships. But it’s more than just love relationships, more than husband and wife. Relationships include friendship, fellowship, siblings, kids, parents, and co-workers. So, it’s not just romantic love.

Second, I want this to be an interactive blog. It will be a place to share your stories, thoughts, ideas. Give me feedback, whether you agree or disagree with what I’m saying. Let me know if there’s something you want to talk about more. We’re all people and we all relate to others. Let’s talk about the joys and frustrations involved with our various relationships.

So, something about “relating” or “connecting” might be good. Those who have suggested titles with “love” in it, well, those aren’t resonating as much with me. But every suggestion is still under consideration as I really dig into the depths of this blog and its direction.

Or go in the direction of “Stories of Us” or “Our Stories.”

I’ll take suggestions through Monday at 12noon central time. I’d love to land on just the right name. The $10 Starbucks card or $10 Barnes & Noble card is still up for grabs.

As it’s Easter weekend, I wish you all a wonderful and blessed Easter.

Going Deeper with Friendship

As we take this blog in a new direction by examining relationships, I find myself examining my own relationships. Comments from a couple of friends of mine have really stuck in my head. These people have mentioned offhandedly that I am too private, that I don’t share with them my problems or my worries. I didn’t share with them things I’ve done. One of my friends was surprised to learn that I had a speaking engagement in the months previous to this conversation. That’s pretty minor, yet why wouldn’t I share something like that? It’s exciting!

So that got me thinking, why didn’t I share that with her? Am I too guarded? Do I not open up enough with my friends?

I know I want to have deeper relationships. I think sometimes I hold back because I don’t want to come across as the whiny friend, the desperate friend, the one who always needs something or is always complaining.

Unfortunately I have a friend like this. It got to the point where I dreaded the phone calls from this person because I knew it would be something negative. This is someone I’ve known since high school. But this was also one of my friends who told me that I never shared any problems I had or anything I was going through at the time. She took it as an offense that I wouldn’t open up to her. That has stuck in my brain and really got to me. I don’t consider myself someone who’s not sharing and not open. But in a way, it’s true, although I consider myself a very caring person.

In my small group at church were discussing ways to go deeper in our relationships with each other and how can we really make the group something special and dynamic. So I have an opportunity in front of me to go deeper yet I still feel myself holding back.

I can’t figure out what holds me back from letting people in a little deeper. I have friends that I share things with, but they are few. My husband is my best friend, and he probably knows me better than anyone. But why won’t I go deeper with my other friends, those I care about and want in my life?

Does my “fear” of being too whiny and needy outweigh me “going deeper” with my friends… trusting them? Do I fear rejection? Is the bigger question: am I missing out on more meaningful friendships by holding back?

What advice do you have? What experiences have you had in trusting your friends, and really confiding in them?

I look forward to hearing from you.

(Photo credit: Photos_by_Lis / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND)

Name my blog… deadline extended!

Thank you to those who have provided suggestions for a new name for the new direction in this blog. I appreciate it. Now, I have so much to think about, so I’m extending the deadline to next Monday, April 1st…and that’s no April Fools joke!

Here are the details about naming my blog:

Name this blog… Win a Prize!

With the re-launch of my blog, I’ve changed directions. The new direction for my blog is discussing relationships, which are all around us. But now I think it needs a new title.

No longer is this just my journey (as in “Rebecca’s Journey”). I want everyone to be involved, as we all have relationships and hopefully at one point or another, there will be a topic that truly resonates.

So, let’s start with step one of being involved: Name this blog. And the person who comes up with the title I choose will win a $10 Starbucks card or a $10 Barnes & Noble card (your choice). Okay, that’s not much, but hopefully it’s fun.

Let’s have a little fun with this! Name my blog….win a prize!

Leave your suggestions in the comments. I’ll announce the winning name on Monday, April 1st by 5:00pm central time.

Thank you for participating!

Name this blog… Win a Prize!

With the re-launch of my blog, I’ve changed directions. The new direction for my blog is discussing relationships, which are all around us. But now I think it needs a new title.

No longer is this just my journey (as in “Rebecca’s Journey”). I want everyone to be involved, as we all have relationships and hopefully at one point or another, there will be a topic that truly resonates.

So, let’s start with step one of being involved: Name this blog. And the person who comes up with the title I choose will win a $10 Starbucks card or a $10 Barnes & Noble card (your choice). Okay, that’s not much, but hopefully it’s fun.

Let’s have a little fun with this! Name my blog….win a prize!

Leave your suggestions in the comments. I’ll announce a winner on Monday, March 25th, 11:00am central time.

And thank you for participating!