Characterize people by their actions and you will never be fooled by their words.
This week's blog topic and Quotes to Live By episode is focused on relationships and friendships. This is probably one of the most important lessons in my life so far that I've learned. That is, to focus on what people do and not just what they say. I've probably heard that actions speak louder than words since I was little, yet I needed to experience this first-hand in my life to really understand. And this goes for my friendships with others, and not just relationships with dating.
There have been many times in my past relationships where I would rely so heavily on what a person said to me, and just end up getting hurt time and time again because I kept hanging on to what they said, and they never followed-through with action. I'm sure so many of us can relate to experiencing something like this. Sometimes it's hard to let go of people because they are so good with words that they make things sound so beautiful and good, and we want them to be true but in reality we are just being manipulated. Some people know what they are doing when they say things that you want to hear, but aren't really that type of person. They do this to keep you around to their advantage in some way. Others may say things and have full intention to do them, but they just aren't there yet, or not committed to follow through. Either way, you don't have to, nor should you stick around in that relationship. You need to be around quality people who follow their words with action.
We need to stop putting so much weight on what people say, and focus instead on how they treat others. That will tell you everything about you they really are and what they actually believe.