Two Stories About Relationships

For today’s post, I’ll share two great stories that would teach us a valuable lesson in understanding what really matters in life.

Story 1. Lemonade Store Story.

I got this story from Seth Godin’s blog. It is about two lemonade stands run by kids.

The first stand is run by two kids. They use Countrytime lemonade, paper cups and a bridge table. It's a decent lemonade stand, one in the long tradition of standard lemonade stands. It costs a dollar to buy a cup, which is a pretty good price, considering you get both the lemonade and the satisfaction of knowing you supported two kids.

The other stand is different. The lemonade is free, but there's a big tip jar. When you pull up, the owner of the stand beams as only a proud eleven year old girl can beam. She takes her time and reaches into a pail filled with ice and lemons. She pulls out a lemon. Slices it. Then she squeezes it with a clever little hand juicer.

The whole time that's she's squeezing, she's also talking to you, sharing her insights (and yes, her joy) about the power of lemonade to change your day. It's a beautiful day and she's in no real hurry. Lemonade doesn't hurry, she says. It gets made the right way or not at all. Then she urges you to take a bit less sugar, because it tastes better that way.

While you're talking, a dozen people who might have become customers drive on by because it appears to take too long. You don't mind, though, because you're engaged, almost entranced. A few people pull over and wait in line behind you.

Finally, once she's done, you put $5 in the jar, because your free lemonade was worth at least twice that. Well, maybe the lemonade itself was worth $3, but you'd happily pay again for the transaction. It touched you. In fact, it changed you.

Which entrepreneur do you think has a brighter future?

Nice story huh?

Okay. I’ll share some more.

Story 2. Dreams Discussion.

Last night, Edel and I had a serious meeting. We’ve been discussing our dreams, our plans, our strategies etc. Basically, the things that we want to happen in the future.

The discussion went well when I shared my dreams with her. She listened patiently. She nodded. She agreed. She wrote everything down in a paper with the dates next to my dreams. She wrote everything I’ve said like house and lot, house renovation, parents’ retirement, wedding, gadgets, and the list goes on.

Then, minutes later, I’m done. It’s now Edel’s turn to say her dreams.

I got the pen and the paper. It’s my turn to write down her dreams.
Then, she spoke with much eagerness and conviction that she wanted to have freedom. Her dream is to have freedom to have time with her close friends. She has this dream of visiting them on a weekly basis.

I said, “Is that your dream?”

She answered yes.

Actually, I didn’t expect to hear this from her. I’m expecting something more tangible (just like my dreams). That’s why I kept on arguing. I tried my best to squeeze out some juices from her brain to come up with a tangible dream just like I presented.

To cut the long story short, we had a debate. It’s a debate between my pride and her dreams. In the end she won. She won the debate.

How?

She explained that her dream is to establish a strong relationship with her friends, with her colleagues, with her loved ones.

Edel has this dream of loving from the start. She has this dream of nurturing friendship. She has this dream of building a strong relationship.

Yes. I got this dream of providing material stuffs to the person I love but it does not specify that I’m giving them love.

I failed to dream to love others which Edel reminded me of doing. I just dream of providing them what they want or I guess what I think they want.

But if I provide them what I think they want? Would that make me happy? Would that make them happy? Perhaps yes. Perhaps no. Why? Because I just provide them superficial things. I dream of providing them temporary happiness.

Edel's dreams are long lasting. Edel's dreams will give her sacred happiness. (Click here if you want to know sacred happiness?) It will not be taken away from her.

This idea hit me hard. Really, really hard. I almost cry in front of her. But hey, I know it is okay. She loves me. Even if I think that way.

After our discussion, I gave her the tightest hug I can ever give. I gave her my apologies for acting so rude and lastly I thanked her for helping me realize that one important thing.

Friend, build a long lasting and a strong relationship. This will give you not superficial happiness but a sacred one.

Invest time with your loved ones.