When I was younger, I wasn't very thoughtful or intentional about who I shared relationships with.

I think because I didn't have a firm grasp on why we even have relationships as human beings.

When I would reflect on my relationships, I'd simply ask myself, are we having fun together?

Are they hot?

Do I like when we kiss? You know, like that was it.

Whereas now I'm starting to develop a firmer grasp on what the point of relationships are.

Relationships at their best are incredible catalysts for growth, for both people involved.

That's kind of the whole point. And if that's not happening, it's kind of a waste of time and

energy. And I know what you're thinking. Emma, that sounds harsh. It's actually not because

growth doesn't always need to be this obvious, loud,

apparent thing. We think of obvious growth and we think of a relationship where on a daily basis,

you know, you're confronting one another and saying, hey, you did this wrong and you need to be

better. And then the next day, you're saying to the person you're in a relationship, hey, you did this wrong and you need to be better. And then the next day, you're saying to the

person you're in a relationship, hey, you, you did this wrong and you need to be better.

That's like the loud, obvious sort of growth relationship, I guess.

Growth and relationships can be incredibly subtle and still be really beautiful and impactful. Even just adopting a healthy

habit that someone that you're in a relationship with has can be an example of growth in a

relationship. If there's none of that happening, I don't think it's a good relationship.

I mean, there are people in our lives who are sort of in the peripheral who don't really

help us grow and we don't really help them grow.

But that's fine because that's not someone in your circle.

I'm talking about the relationships that are at the core of your life, that build your social foundation.

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