Three important lessons learned recently.

In regards to friendships, dating and relationships, I have learned this much to be of real value.

1.A co-worker told me before my trip to South America this much about his dating and relationship experiences "I have found that the more I care, the harder I tried and the worse things got."  I have noticed the same in some of my experiences with friendships and dating as well in the past. This is a very tricky lesson to learn and this piece of advice can easily be misapplied in some situations.
If a girl cares and wants you to care, she will tell you.  It doesn't always work that way however.

2. My cousin told me this much about words when someone is upset with you "Less is more."  I would guess that means that you might want to get your point across with fewer words so that the impact of what you intend to say is not missed.  It does open up a chance for dialogue if clarification is needed.

3. Bumped into a teacher from school when I was back home for a part of this weekend.  He indicated to me "The more you explain yourself, the more trouble you seem to get into."  I also kind of realized at this point after a conversation with a friend earlier in the week that what I was saying to them, they kept throwing back in my face with the words twisted around.  I gave up and just stopped the conversation before I got upset.

These three lessons do kind of intertwine together. I have seen many friendships hit a roadblock or simply end because of this kind of advice being ignored.

Final note- May 22, 2013- Coming back from South America, I was hoping not to have to deal with certain issues when I came back.  Unfortunately, I was pushed to deal with them quickly.  I was given a chance to be on good terms with one person, and given the chance to walk away from a person I just couldn't win with.  I have made my choice.  Now comes cleaning up the mess I made within myself.