Multi-Dimensional Relationships
I think the most effective and long-laqsting personal relationships are the ones that are multi-dimensional. How many of us have a relationship with someone that is only on one level or one dimension? We share only one single part of our lives with that person, be it work, a hobby, or home...but not a combination of 2 or 3. The best relationships exist on several levels - maybe your work, hobby, home, or some other facet of your life that is shared in several ways with that person.
I think most of my relationships are single-dimensional, sadly enough. We are firends or we are close only in one area of my life, and do not share on any other level. Developing multi-level personal relationships is a lot of work. You have to open yourself up to new experiences, or things that may not be particularly interested in. Hopefully it goes both ways in that the people you are 'relating' with also try to share in the other facets of your life.
At times I have this driving urge to develop more personal relationships with people I am only casually close to, or people in my life that I just want to make more important. But then at other times I strive for the 'island' mentality...it is so much safer on your heart and soul to just stay apart form people so you don't get hurt or be disappointed. Of course, that's a rather cold, isolated way to live. It is safe...can't break a heart that never leaves your body, right? I guess it's all in how you view life, whether you embrace the risks or just go into a protective mode. I find myself wavering between the two. I wish there was a way to have that deep interpersonal relationship and still remain safe.
