The Official David Hammock Blog: Liking Somebody

A Collage of guess who?

This blog is an expression of the freedom to just "let go" in my spirit. The music captures and defines things I'm sure about and...some things I'm not so sure about it. It expresses emotions that I'm not quite able to put into words other than, "yeah..get it on bro." The purpose is simply mean to reach out and provoke you into a sense of greater authenticity.

It also has an international flavor for my followers who like to sample cuisines other than American. There's a variety of photographs of friends, my own pics...things that are important to me..my country and its foundations and monuments across this great land that cause me to be greatful. You'll read pieces about love, pain, loneliness and some of the things in life we need to think more about.

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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Liking Somebody

We all remember the words to the song:

“What the world needs now, is love’s sweet love; it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.” Certainly these words are profoundly true.

Then…there are people who run around saying “Love you,” or “Love Ya!” I wonder if they know what they mean, or I don’t know what they mean. People sign the words, “I love you,” to cards of people they send them to, and barely know the person. Am I supposed to feel good getting one from a stranger?

Certainly love can be instantaneous…don’t get me wrong. But to say the words, “I LOVE YOU,” is not a casual occurrence.

Caroline Kennedy recently said, “We need a prosperity of kindness and decency,” in America. In many cases, I think the kind and decent thing to do is NOT tell someone you love them, particularly if you don’t understand the responsibility involved in loving. The power of the tongue brings forth DEATH or LIFE.

People have been devastated by believing the words, “I love you,” only to find out later someone had used them, abused them, manipulated them, exploited them, and love had nothing to do with any of it.

Some people just enjoy watching you, believe that you are loved by them, while all the taker wants is the attention.

Why tell someone you love them, when you don’t even know how to like them? It certainly has nothing to do with honoring the other person. Why tell someone you love them, when you’re not willing to pay the price to love them? Love isn’t a cheap commodity you suddenly acquire with ease. If you think it is, you have let yourself be deceived. Do you even know my love language? Do you love me from your perspective, or mine?

AND….how can you love me, if you don’t have a clue how to like me? The art and science of friendship continues to erode in American life. The quality of our relationships is being measured by our internet savvy, cell phone multi-tasking, group speed-dating, and appointment book management. “Let’s see…Thursday night I’m free from 8-10. That will give us quality time together. I won’t be free for another three weeks babe. Then maybe we can take a vacation.”

So much for, “Hello, Dolly. Well hello…. Dolly. It’s so nice to have you back where you belong.”

Americans have settled for being disconnected and think they are contented. Some actually believe relationships are easier. I don’t buy it. If you want a dollar store relationship, that’s all you’ll get. Counterfeit relationships are more often produced than counterfeit dollar bills. The interesting thing is dollar bills that aren’t legal, are more frequently recognized than phony relationships.

Liking someone starts with desire, motivation and genuineness. Are you aware of the other person, and are they aware of you? Are you available to like someone, and are they available to like you? Are you accessible? Are you really “there” in the relationship? Are you “PRESENT,” or are your heart and your head somewhere else? You can’t begin to give a healthy response to any kind of relationship, if it means anything at all without starting with the basics. Truth, honesty, respect, caring, sharing, and oh yes….kindness and decency. I think maybe this might be a good place to start “LIKING SOMEBODY.”