December 15, 2011

Harmony of Friendship --- Inspired by "Golden Girls"

After Dorothy's departure, Blanche, Rose and S...
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I always believe that true harmony is built on embracing the differences, not on conformity.

Making "Golden Girls" as example: each of them has distinguishable personality: Dorothy is so wise and sharp that she could throw "judgement" at any moment like "Goddess"; Rose is so naive that she virtually believes everything; Blanche is so incredibly sexy that she believe she is obliged to be the first one to attract all men's attention among her friends (actually among all women on this planet). However they get along perfectly well - each of them totally accept others' differences, and support each others special quality. This means, among three of them, no one would constantly go against Dorothy's wit, scorn Rose's being innocent, or be judgmental about Blanche's being "bitchy". This acceptance makes each of them feel so appreciated. And the reason they could do so, I believe is because each of them feel content about who she is (in other words, feel completely ok with their own "limitation"). If not, they would not feel comfortable about what others two have, and be harsh on each others', compete with each other with what they lack, thus the harmony is impossible.

Dorothy Zbornak
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Jealousy might be one of major causes of breaking up (or fading away) of friendships. So what is jealousy? I think it is basically an uncomfortable feeling toward the fact that others possess something we lack. To feel comfortable about who we are, requires not only being content about what we have, but also what we lack. I once wrote, the wisdom is not measured by the amount of our knowledge, but how much we know about our limitation. The harmony shown within these Golden Girls demonstrates this idea perfectly: each of them know exactly what's their own limitation is, do not "invade" others' "specialty" easily. Therefor, even if each of them has different level of intelligence (with Dorothy on the top obviously), they are all WISE girls to me.

Of course I do not mean our intelligence or strength should not be challenged. No. As matter of fact, I believe Dorothy loves challenge, Rose does not mind criticizing, Blanche enjoys competing, but, deep in their hearts, they respect each others' quality, prove this quality as their strength. And I sincerely consider this approval as true meaning of "embracing the difference".

"Golden Girls" - the friendship of dream!
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Posted by Yun Yi at 10:57 AM
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9 comments:

  1. SprigBlossomsDecember 15, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Hi YunYi, I really liked the part about acceptance of limitations in ourselves and others, in order to build a friendship of appreciation. Thanks for sharing :)

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  2. Anastasia F-BDecember 15, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    Now I shall have to try and catch an episode of this show!

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  3. Yun YiDecember 15, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    @SB, welcome!
    @Ana, I hope you do even though it more for women who experience menopause...:-) and let me know how you like it.

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  4. JaneneDecember 16, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    I agree that we should embrace and celebrate each other's strengths. Jealousy has ruined many a relationship. And what a sweet example, too. The Golden Girls! What a fun and unique cast of characters.

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  5. nothingprofoundDecember 16, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    yunyi, I love how you're extracting important life lessons from something as simple as a TV show. Since we're all different, with our own peculiar habits and quirks, friendship would be impossible without, first, appreciating that fact, and second, enjoying it. In fact human relations would be a colossal bore if everyone we met were exactly like us.

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  6. Yun YiDecember 16, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    @Janene, thanks!
    @np, "human relations would be a colossal bore if everyone we met were exactly like us"
    ---exactly!

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  7. Yun YiDecember 16, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    np, i just want to add, that i was never into tv shows prior to my CFS condition. but hey, i still have a head that enjoy pondering, so i wrote some reviews on what i watched. also, culture difference is what attracts me and these shows are certainly one of the windows of american culture.

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  8. PSACHNOMarch 16, 2012 at 12:28 AM

    Thoughtful post.

    Unconditional self-regard--it is what you are talking about. I think you are so correct.

    BTW, I learned how to read and write Greek by watching TV. It is very valuable in learning a new culture--you are so right, Yun Yi.

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  9. Yun YiMarch 16, 2012 at 9:53 AM

    Psachono thanks! learned greek by watching tv? you must be talented on language.

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