I have a very close friend that made a comment to me that I can’t let go of.
“I’ve known you for over 20 years..It’s only been the last 5 that I actually feel like we’re friends.”
Umm what?
“I always felt like you were Radio Glenn with me, and I was always left feeling there was a disconnect.
Full transparency..This is the wife of my best friend. I’ve known Mike for over 35 years…her for maybe 20. And yet, there was something missing.
“So why did you feel this way?” I asked.
“Because you were always happy, positive, on, and..fake. And you used your radio voice.” “Umm, that’s my actual voice. How I wished I had a radio voice,” I said.
And I realized that my persona is trying to make others feel good. Trying to find the best of a situation, and leaving the negativity out of the equation.
I don’t like drama. I wanna quell it at all times. I wanna have a nice day, make others feel like a rockstar, and go to sleep.
So then Cathy mentioned how she appreciates Steph more than me because she tells it like it is. No Bull****
In fact many people, including me, appreciate this raw way of being. Loving and knowing where you stand at all times. Knowing when you screw up, being called out, and yet knowing when a compliment is made, that it’s legit.
“Well, I’m glad we’re close now,” I said.
“Me too,” she said.
But the conversation has stuck with me and maybe you have a similar situation.
People appreciate positivity, but appreciate truthfulness more.
As a radio guy, I have been programmed to ignore the negative, and concentrate on the good.
Death, sickness, The Browns, grey skies..
But I hear that as 180 days till spring, the Guardians are in the playoffs, I have free tickets to the latest and greatest thing.
To be honest, it is so therapeutic. I can’t have a bad day, and when I am, being on the radio makes it better. We all have enough darkness to deal with. And you tune in to feel better and hear a Journey song..
But how do you treat those that are close to you?
I remember specifically when my relationship with Cathy changed, and that was when I was not trying to concentrate on the positivity, and was just..
Me.
Because we are all broken, struggling, and trying to figure life out. And the more you let others know that, the more they will connect with you.
In front of the mic, and without a mic at all. So I’m gonna continue to tell it like it is. And realize that positivity mixed with the mood of the day is a balancing act.
So as you see people smiling and pretending on social to have it all together, realize they don’t.
Don’t compare yourself.
Take a moment to call someone and be yourself. Tell them the truth and be authentic. Take every opportunity to be positive, find the good in every situation.
But also realize that it’s better to be real with the people that matter.
And my family, my friends..and YOU matter to me.
All my best as you navigate life and the relationships in it.
XOXO Glenn