They qualify me

I love that people have to qualify me. Part of it’s my personality, but I also love it for a deeper reason.

First off, though, what do I mean by “qualify me”?

When you see a movie you like, you might say, “Oh, it’s a cool movie – you should see it.” But sometimes, you have to say, “Oh, it’s a cool movie… except the language / the ending / the propaganda / whatever – you should see it.”

I think I’m like that second movie. You have to say, “Oh, I love him… except he’s a Christian / talks about slavery / is arrogant / whatever – you should meet him.”

In other words, people don’t like me completely – they have to qualify their recommendation. And I love it.

Okay, so why do I love it?

Growth. If someone has to qualify part of me, then there’s an opportunity for growth. Sure, there’s also an opportunity for falling apart, but that’s the fun of it.

I don’t like stagnate. If someone agrees with me perfectly, they’re not going to get any better hanging out with me, and I’m not going to get any better hanging out with them. There’s no movement in it.

As I’ve said before, if all your friends agree with you, you need to find new friends.

I want to be the guy who challenges you, even if that means you have to qualify me.