past conflict

The most recent conflict has to be one of the most devastating conflicts that I have ever encountered. My older sister by 2.5 years and I had a major argument over the phone just over two months ago. This is really unusual especially since we practically never argue and we had had an argument already that lasted through the month of June and into early July. I'm not really sure what the new argument was about, all I remember was that my feelings were hurt, which is not an easy thing to do, and that I hung up the phone before she could finish her monologue, in the most respectful manner I could muster at the time. I simply said, " You know what, I cannot listen anymore. I am hanging up the phone." That's exactly what I did, no yelling or screaming involved. As if this wasn't bad enough, we go almost a full two months without talking, or having any type of communication whatsoever! My heart ached for my sister, with whom I am extremely close. She is my second mother and closest friend. Day after day I would have random flashbacks of some of the fun and crazy things that we did growing up. All of the trials that we experienced together. She has always been there for me and to not have her at all was earth shattering. I couldn't eat or sleep or focus. I was becoming depressed. It was a very upsetting time for me, but I refused to call until one day I couldn't take it anymore. My computer froze even though it had full signal. I figured it was Jesus who was taking away my distraction so I could focus on doing what's right. I called her timidly and was surprised she was glad to hear from me. We each thought that one hated the other, shared our story (both were identical) and made up. I made her promise not to ever go two months without calling me. I made so that no more than two weeks can pass without us speaking. What I learned was that I should have swallowed my pride and called sooner to avoid all of the heartache. Next time we argue, there will be no long silence, but a resolution to fix the issue.

My Strengths Through Others' Eyes

Recently, I asked a good friend of mine, Andrew, to help me with my homework assignment, and like the good friend that he is, he agreed. I told him to read these questions and then to answer him truthfully. I left him alone to read my strengths and to gather his thoughts. After about fifteen minutes, I returned and asked him what he thought. These are the questions that he had to answer, which I made sure he fully understood.

• Do they think these strengths accurately describe you? Why or why not?
• Which strength do they think you use the most?
• Which strengths do they think you should use more?
• Any overall thoughts or reactions to your strength?
His answers surprised me at times, as they were honest and yet, heartwarming.
Andrew believed that all of the strengths did a good job in describing me in different aspects. He said that from what he knew of me, in the short life of our friendship, there were certain key points in each description that fit me perfectly. For example he kept bringing up the fact that I am very close to and care deeply for my family, which was found in Belief. He also mentioned that I really try to help others when and where I can, which is found in developer.
Andrew stated that he felt as if I used the developer most often, even though it was a really tough decision, with Includer coming as a close second. So close that we almost had to do a coin toss. Andrew said that he has not known me well enough to learn in depth about my work ethic, so he could not fully assess Achiever. I loved the honesty, and agreed wholeheartedly. He said, “Just so I can say something… I choose Learner for the one that you should use more.” In turn I replied, “Is this because I don’t always do my French homework?” “Um.... Yeah.”
Overall, Andrew had a very positive reaction, as we learned more about each other by doing this exercise.