Monday Motivation – The Relationship Reality Check

Journal Prompt: “From awkward family dinners to questionable exes to ride-or-die besties, my relationships have taught me... something. What am I still learning about connection, and what do I now know I want (or definitely don’t want) in my inner circle?"

Let’s chat about relationships.

Oh, relationships. The glorious mess of them. From that one ex you can’t quite believe you actually dated (don’t worry, we all have one), to the family member who brings up politics again at dinner, to the best friend who just gets it without you even having to explain… every connection we have leaves a mark. Some are warm and beautiful. Some are more like, “Yup, won’t do that again.” But all of them? Learning opportunities. Whether romantic or platonic, long-standing or fleeting, functional or full-blown chaos, they teach us something.

Sometimes what we learn is painful. Sometimes it’s hilarious in hindsight. And sometimes, it’s exactly what we needed to get clear on who we are and what we want.

✨ So, what am I still learning about connection?

That having a connection with someone doesn’t always mean you belong in a relationship with them. Period.

Let me say that again for the folks in the back: Connection does not equal belonging. You can have a deep conversation with someone and feel sparks flying, mental, emotional, even spiritual, and still not need to bring that person into your long-term life. And that’s okay.

You can meet someone and talk for two hours straight, solve the world's problems over coffee, or vibe like you’ve known each other since kindergarten... and then never speak again. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t real. It just means it was a connection, not a commitment.

Connections are like little sparks in the dark, they light the way for a moment, maybe teach you something, and then let you go. And in the relationships that do stick? That same spark, the real connection, is what helps you feel valid and seen, even if you only talk once a month or once a year. It’s not about quantity. It’s about resonance.

💡 What do I know now about who belongs in my inner circle?

Oh, I have a list. A real one. And let me tell you—it’s clearer now than ever.

1. Loyalty – And I’m not talking about the kind where we all wear matching t-shirts and burn bridges together. I’m talking about real, grown-up loyalty: the kind where we stick around even when it’s hard. The kind where I can trust the people in my life not to vanish the moment something gets uncomfortable. That matters to me now more than ever.

2. Soulful conversation – Small talk is fine for strangers, but in my circle? I want the real stuff. The kind of chats that have intelligence and heart. I want to be able to talk to you about the meaning of life one minute and laugh about awkward grocery store encounters the next. Give me depth, or give me... a polite wave goodbye.

3. Honesty – Not the sugar-coated, say-what-I-want-to-hear kind. I want to know the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. And I want to be able to offer the same in return. I want relationships where we can challenge each other, call each other in, and still walk away feeling respected, not rejected. If I’m off track, I want someone who’s brave enough to say, “Hey, this isn’t like you,” without fear that I’ll flip a table.

   
   

Because that’s what real connection looks like to me now. Loyalty, truth, and meaningful connection, even when it’s messy. Especially when it’s messy.

Take a look at your circle. The loud ones, the quiet ones, the ones who disappear when it’s inconvenient, and the ones who show up with snacks and a shovel when things go sideways. Which ones truly get you? Which ones challenge you with love? Which ones bring peace, and which ones bring chaos with a side of confusion?

You don’t have to keep everyone. You don’t have to burn bridges either. You just get to choose who stands closest to you.

This month, reflect on what connection really means to you, and who’s earned a spot in your inner circle. The right relationships feel like a soft place to land, not another mountain to climb.