Familiarity Breeds Contentment
There is the old saying that familiarity breeds contempt.
The expression “familiarity breeds contempt” is all too familiar. Yet, as the case with many common sayings, we might benefit from taking a look at whether or not it truly makes sense. When we don’t examine these beliefs they tend to become self-fulfilling prophecies. Ordinarily, the expression “familiarity breeds contempt” refers to what often happens in long-standing relationships and marriages. Regrettably, over time too may relationships begin to see their happiness wither. Yet, the question remains: is it actually familiarity that causes this disappointment?
Yesterday Lou Ann shared something with me that she had said the day before. When I first heard it I thought of that old saying I mentioned above. And yet I had a different reaction to her sharing. I laughed and we both laughed together. It is part of my enchantment of Lou Ann. We have been communicating things to each other for more than thirty five years. There has to be a lot of repeated words and sayings. We both grew up in families that shared a lot of old sayings. So we are very familiar with our exchanges.
I believe that when we feel less about ourselves, we act out on each other. So that kind of familiarity would breed contempt. However, just the opposite is true.
If a soft kiss, an appreciative hug or the simple feeling of being cared for becomes familiar, then familiarity in fact evokes and sustains love. In loving relationships that embrace emotional support and respect, familiarity produces a wonderful life. What we become accustomed to should become the focus of our attention. We have said many times that what we focus on expands. Let us open our hearts to each other and create the kind of familiarity that breeds contentment and love. From my familiar heart to yours, Thomas