All Relationships Matter

The Daily Haiku For March 19. All relationships matter.

Stop analyzing.
All relationships matter,
we're not numbers.

Today I took part in a treasure hunt with some friends from Lisbon. It was a lot of fun. I don't remember the last time I had so much fun.

Have you heard the famous saying "You are the average of the 5 people you spend most time with"? It is usually attributed to motivational speaker Jim Rohn. Obviously American (only Americans can come up with the idea of "optimizing" your relationships so you become the "best version" of yourself and all that shit ;).

Thing is, I've never heard a more hideous sentence. That means analyzing even your free time to make sure you only hang out with people that can "help you become better". Whatever that means. Perhaps only businessmen, or people at the top of the social ladder? Someone who can connect you with the "important guys" out there? Rich people? Intellectuals?

The mere concept of choosing your friends based on that principle is disgusting. While I can agree that you should at least try to meet and hang out with people that can bring positive stuff to your life, these people don't need to be successful or impressive, or well-positioned, or rich.

It can be as simple as someone who helps you see the world in a positive light. Someone who makes you laugh or someone you feel comfortable talking to.

Taking care of building and keeping relationships is important for everybody, but especially for digital nomads, who sometimes struggle with isolation and loneliness. But don't analyze these relationships. Find people you feel comfortable going out with, people who add something positive to your life, and don't question whether they are "improving your average", whatever that means.