If you are going to invest in building a robust circle of relationships in your life, then that community will have to include people that you do not easily connect with, or that do not easily connect with others. This is not only normal, but follows the pattern of Christ.
Some people are socially awkward. Other people are emotionally broken and need extra care. Some people mental illness, or personalities that don’t jive easily with yours.
So when I talk about “challenging people” that’s who I’m talking about. I’m NOT talking about people that are abusive, repetitively untrustworthy, or gossips, or are otherwise bad for your soul in some way. Those people you just need to shuttle out of your life.
I’m talking about good people that for one reason or another need some extra care and find it very difficult to make, or keep, friends.
Often these people are boundary busters. They may not pick up on your subtle clues about your boundaries. Or they may not realize they are busting them. They may be emotionally needy, or socially oblivious to your hints.
In my experience, people who struggle socially are often the strongest and most courageous people I know. It takes far more personal integrity to move through their life when they know that they make people uncomfortable, or they have a hard time making friends. They fight tremendous self-hatred quite often.
Consider that at least Peter was extremely socially awkward.
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How to Help Friends Through Hard Times (And How NOT to)
Quick Update on the Podcast Schedule
Mending Broken Relationships
Surviving My Church Hurt
The Myth of Balance
The Role of Personality Tests in Community
Hospitality Masterclass: How to Host People in Your Home, Part 2
Hospitality Masterclass: How to Host People in Your Home, Part 1
How to Have Meaningful Conversations
Making the Invitation to New Friends
Five Deadly Friendship Myths
Is Virtual Community Real?
What is Community?
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