Dear Younger People,

One of my great regrets in life is that rarely took the time to get to know the people around me. I THOUGHT I was, but really I was only getting to know them in their relationship to me. This includes everyone from casual acquaintances to romantic partners.

For example: I cared about shared interests and things we liked doing together. But I rarely asked about personal passions, how they felt about their family, goals in life, etc.

Now, many years later, I realize how many cool people came in and out of my life without truly connecting with them. Don't make my same mistake. Ask questions and get to know those around you.

Signed,
A Recovering Narcissist