Try

Isn't it annoying when somebody claims to care for you...? When they call you too much, when they remember every single thing you say... it's as if they're trying too hard, as if they have nothing better to do. It almost sucks all the coolness out of them, and that's it--without further ado, you've labelled them as losers who are just too desperate for you to be their friend.

Time out. Can we please just take a second and turn around, look back and think? These poeple are probably the most amazing people you'll ever meet. Who else can really lay their hearts on the line this way? Who else would be willing to care for someone so passionately, so sincerely? Who else could call you a friend, and be a friend, your friend--a real one--right off the bat?

It's quite intimidating, really. Of course, it's bizarre and... almost imposing when somebody grants you that kind of commitment, that kind of trust and support. It's scary, really. You wonder why they treat you so well, why they need you so much, what they see in you. Next thing you know, your head inflates and becomes bigger than it has ever been whenever you're around them. If they care so much about you, it must be because they like you a lot. There's nothing you could ever do to ever make them feel differently. They look up to you; so obviously, that makes them... well, "not as good", "not good enough" for you.

So we act like complete morons around them, because there's no risk of coming off badly. Our nose is pointed up real high. Giving them the slightest trace of acknoledgement makes us heroes. I mean, it's hard enough to have to put up with them, so it's really something to not try to get rid of them.

Why do people who love and care for us so dearly bring out the devil in us? We're all terrified, really. How could we welcome a friendship this strong, this powerful? What if we're wrong about them, what if they turn out to be total freaks? Why do they assume that we're so great when they barely know us? What do they want from us? What do they expect?

I must say I really admire anybody who can love and care so recklessly, willing to take the risk and responsibility to call themselves somebody's true friend. Please pat yourselves on the back for being so courageous.

I'm not saying that we must all embrace every single person we meet. I'm just saying, please try. Try and give time to those who see how outstanding you are. Try and keep your feet on the ground. Try to listen. Try to understand where they're coming from. Try to not judge. Try to not be so scared.

Try giving them a chance.