Author: One of the pleasant aspects of having a new friend is rediscovering ourselves as we tell stories about our pasts, our accomplishments, our dreams and our fiascos. But just sharing acts about ourselves is only one part of getting to know one another. More significant is the sharing of our feelings, our inner responses to what has happened, is happening or might happen in our lives.
Often we find it easier to share positive emotions than negative ones such as anger, hurt, frustration, fear and resentment because we fear being rejected. And yet, because everyone experiences both negative and positive emotions, people recognize that those who do not admit to having negative responses are being less than honest. Both trust and self-acceptance are essential to a solid friendship.