"Si uno se aferra demasiado rigidamente a sus principios, apenas vería a nadie."

Sticking too rigidly to one’s principles can turn you into a bit of a loner. Imagine if you steadfastly refused to bend for anyone or anything—life would get pretty lonely. People are complex; we all have our quirks and imperfections. If you’re always standing your ground, never willing to compromise, you might end up pushing people away.

Historically, this idea has been around for ages. Think about the stories you’ve heard about philosophers or hermits who isolated themselves because they couldn’t deal with the “flaws” in others. Principles are great; they guide us and keep us grounded. But when they become walls instead of foundations, it’s a problem.

Take John for instance. John is a friend of mine who’s as stubborn as they come. Brilliant guy, but he’s got this rule about punctuality. If you’re late, even by a minute, he’s out. No second chances. Once, we were supposed to meet for dinner. I got caught in traffic and showed up five minutes late. John was gone. No text, no call. Just gone.

It’s a principle for him—respecting each other's time. And while that’s commendable, it also means he misses out on a lot of good times and forgivable mistakes. When you’re too rigid, you might not see the value in the people around you. They’re human, like you. They mess up, and that’s okay.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying your non-negotiables. What are the principles you hold dear? Now, think about which ones could use a little flexibility. It’s not about abandoning your values but understanding that sometimes, cutting others some slack can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections.

Imagine this: You’re at work, and you have a colleague who’s always late for meetings. It drives you up the wall. Instead of writing them off, what if you have a chat? Maybe they’re dealing with something you don’t know about. By being a bit more understanding, you’re not just being kind; you’re building a bridge.

Picture this scenario: Sarah loves her quiet weekends. No social media, no phone calls—just her and her books. One weekend, her friend Emma is going through a rough patch and needs to talk. Sarah’s first instinct is to stick to her principle—weekends are her sanctuary. But she decides to make an exception. They meet up, and it turns out to be one of the most heartfelt conversations they’ve ever had. Sarah’s principle is important, but so is being there for a friend in need.

Living too rigidly by your principles can be like building a fence around yourself. Sure, it keeps you secure, but it also keeps others out. Sometimes, the real growth happens when you let people in, imperfections and all.

So next time you’re faced with a decision, ask yourself: Is this a hill I’m willing to die on? Or can I afford to be a little flexible? If you find the right balance, you’ll keep your values intact and your social circle full. And that’s a win-win.