George Washington’s Wisdom on Relationships
Do you take your relationships seriously? You should
Do you take your relationships seriously? And do you then choose your relationships wisely?
You should.
At least according to the father of our country.
Since today is his birthday (according to the Gregorian Calendar), I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on some of his wisdom concerning relationships.
We often think of “relationships” as romantic, but that’s just one type of relationship. We have relationships at home, with our extended family, with friends, at work, at school, at church, in our neighborhoods and communities, and so on.
Some of our relationships may remain at the level of social media “friend” or general acquaintance. Others will become closer. Some, much closer.
Those you take into your confidence and who you “do life with” (family, friends, etc.) will exercise enormous influence in your life.
Hence, this gem of a quote from George Washington:
“Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.”
The first part is, I believe, important. Contrary to what is common on social media and in politics today, we should be courteous (that would be civil and kind) to EVERYONE! I wish all of America, including our leaders today, would heed Washington’s advice on that point.
But just because we should be polite and civil to everyone doesn’t mean we should be close friends with everyone. It certainly doesn’t mean we can trust everyone. And so we get to the next bit of wisdom from this quote: “intimate with few.”
By “intimate,” Washington isn’t talking about marital or sexual intimacy per se, although that would certainly be included. He’s talking about people you welcome into your circle of trust. This would include business partners, close friends, who you date and marry, etc.
When it comes to those you invite into this inner circle, Washington says they should be “tried” — or tested. No, you don’t have to sit them down and hand them a physical test, but you do need to observe your relationships closely. Not everyone is worthy of your trust. Not everyone has the mental, spiritual, or emotional capacity to be in your inner circle.
You wouldn’t give the keys to your car or house to just anyone, would you?
It’s worth investing the time, energy, wisdom, and patience into your relationships. For as Washington also said…
“It’s better to be alone than in bad company.”
This, of course, goes the other way too. If we want to have friends or develop deeper relationships (dating or otherwise), we should be men and women who are healthy (emotionally, mentally, and spiritually) and worthy of trust. As the Book of Proverbs says…
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly” -Proverbs 18:24a, KJV
Bottom line: Choose your friends wisely.
The more serious the friendship, the more wisdom is required.
In addition, be a person worthy of trust and friendship yourself.
