"it's not what you do that makes relationships last but what you don't do"

Title: Lotus Flowers (Mother & Child)
Size: 8 x 10 inches
Medium: Watercolor on Paper
Artist: betsisanders 09

"It's not what you do that makes relationships last, but what you don't do."

DON'T EXPECT ... never expect that your kindness will ever be reciprocated; never expect to be loved the way you imagined being loved; too much expectations will only lead to unhappiness.

DON'T SHOUT ... I read somewhere, (forgotten where)... there is this tribe that drives away evil spirits by shouting and yelling. They believe that by doing so, they are able to kill the bad spirits. They never shout or utter hurtful words towards their loved ones. They fear that they will find themselves alone, because they have killed the very core, the being, the spirits of those they love.

DON'T IGNORE ... Every act of kindness, every gift received should never be ignored. Always be generous with praise and appreciation. Blessing are to be grateful for. The happiest person is the most grateful of all.

DON'T DISAPPEAR ... always be available. Elizabeth Gilbert, author of 'Eat Pray Love' wrote, "there's a constant level of closeness that I need from the person I love, and it destroys me not to be able to count on that affection when I need it..." She was referring to her husband whom she divorced because he was "always disappearing in the room, the bed and in the planet." In all relationships, there is a constant need for love to be returned, and the relationship suffers or ends when this need is not met. Love begets love, kindness begets kindness.

DON'T COMPLAIN ... Misery doesn't love company. Your friends can only take so much of your complaints. They too have their own problems. They just don't say much and cry in the confines of their bedrooms or bathrooms. They deal with their pain, both physical and emotional pain. Even husbands and sons who provide a listening ear or shoulders to cry on, will not always be around. They, too, have to sleep. To whom do you complain at midnight? Yes, there is our God, But won't he prefer that we give praise and thanks than always hear our sad stories?

DON'T DEMAND... never demand attention, respect or love. Instead, earn it and it shall be given freely. One need not ask.

DON'T LIE... the greatest sin is theft. When you lie, you rob the person of the truth. Never think that your white lies will never be discovered. Always be truthful and honest. You will be loved more.

"Those who mind what I say or do, don't matter. Those who matter, don't mind."
Live, love and party :) betsisanders 09 / Nov 15, 2009