A thought I had recently was about what makes lasting relationships. Ones that aren't just surviving but thriving. I reflected on my personal experiences and that of others and it dawned on me that the ones that stood the test of time, involved parties that had character. Although I have always had a solid grasp of this concept and applied it in my life, I believe the older we get it is more important to lead with this in mind as we traverse through life. There is undeniable pressure to make solid and lasting connections - both platonic and romantic. When we're assessing who we allow in and out of our lives this fundamental principle should stand: good character trumps personality.

It is important to recognize that while someone may have a great personality and do kind things, their character is ultimately what defines who they are as a person. A person's character is the sum of their moral and ethical values, and it is important to pay attention to this aspect of a person rather than just their likeable personality traits. Just because someone is charming and charismatic does not mean that they are inherently good. It is important to look beyond surface-level qualities and consider a person's character when evaluating their worth as a friend, colleague, or partner.

There are many heuristics and tools we can use to assess a person's character, but when it comes down to it TIME is the essential resource we need. Unfortunately, humans are complex and fickle. It's important to take the time to truly understand a person's character, as it's not always easy to discern based on visible traits alone. It takes time to get to know someone and see how they act in different situations. As the saying goes, "time will tell," and it's up to us to pay attention and make informed decisions based on what we learn over time.

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