Richard, Why Are You Single?

Most of my friends & acquaintances are in relationships and doing alright for themselves; I'm proud of their accomplishments and reinforce that every chance I get because some of them have been through a lot to get where they are. The longer I've been alone, the more frequently I'm asked by my mom & dad, "Son, you don't have a girlfriend yet?" My response has always been "If it's meant to be, God will make it happen." It makes sense because even though the Bible says it's not good for man to be alone, he doesn't hold it against me if I choose not to get romantically involved. Besides, I've got goals to accomplish, stuff to do in life and a relationship is going to get in the way of my ambition. Some people think there's something wrong with you if you choose not to jump on the relationship train. Relationships are a lot of work, and not everyone is willing to work at a relationship. For me, I have to REALLY care about a woman to give her my all; that's something I don't take lightly. You give up your freedom & independence; you are entrusting your heart to another person believing they will do right by you and with all these failed relationships going around, I'm not risking that. For me, it's all or nothing. I need a guarantee that if I'm clicking up with a woman, it's going to work. She's right for me and I for her. To do this, I'm taking it slow. I'm a good man that's willing to give my goodness to the RIGHT woman (and she reciprocates), but at this point other things take precedence. I'm happy for everyone that has found their soulmate, but some people aren't cut out for a relationship. Depending on their ambition, whatever they're undertaking requires 100% focus and when you're focused on a dream, you can't be burdened by a relationship. Your spouse wants you to devote more time to them and your aspirations require full concentration if you want to get where you desire to be.

You Are The Company You Keep

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you. Consider this: Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. "A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad. Note: Be not mistaken. This is applicable to family as well as friends. Yes...do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they will always be your family no matter what. Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above. "In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us. In Adversity We Know Our friends." "Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them." "If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.

The key statement in all of this is "Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships." The keyword is RIGHT. Having the right people in your corner will yield dividends. Some people may not make the cut and that's ok. If you're trying to get somewhere in life, you will have to accept the fact that your circle will decrease and those who remain, are your teammates in this journey called life.