That last 10%

You know what I am talking about.

You know, the last 10% of the conversation that we so often avoid.

That 10%.

When we are talking and sharing our lives with someone, we tend to leave off that last 10% that could potentially change the way the person views us.  In return, the person with which we are speaking often leaves off the last 10% of the truth that we need to hear.  I am a firm believer in the saying, "You are only as good as the company you keep".  In that, I try my best to keep good company around me - people that will both speak and receive the last 10% with grace and love.

During Football season, I spend most Sundays with some of my favorite people.  The football games, on TV and live, are fun... but the best part is getting to talk about life - and all of the ups and downs that come with it.  This weekend was no different.  Last week, I received the great news of two friends being pregnant, of a friend going ring shopping, and of others happily dating.  I heard about all of that while being REAL single.  Don't get me wrong, I could not be happier for my friends... it is just hard to hear sometimes.  Last week was one of those times.  I can't help but feel like I continue to get lapped by my friends on the track of life, while I appear to be taking a water break.  So, we talked about it.

My friend helped me see, by speaking with grace and love and encouragement, that as long as I am taking the water break, I will continue to get lapped.  Hanging out with my married friends, with my friends and their babies, and other similar situations, isn't exactly helping me to get back on the track.  In fact, those things are probably prolonging the water break.  My friend spoke the last 10% that I have been avoiding... If I really want to get out there and date more, if I really want to be in a long-term committed relationship, then I need to change my circumstances.

I need to accept invitations to do things, even if I don't really want to.
I need to put myself out there more.
I need to stop going to bed at 8pm.
I need to look good to feel good - which means continuing to work hard at eating well/working out.
I need to date to date.
I need to give guys a chance - can't be so quick to right someone off.

I needed someone to shake me into the reality of all of these things, and I am so thankful that she did.  I am thankful that, in spite of how scary it can be at times, she said the last 10% without fear of how I would respond.