I have been noticing lately that I am not very happy and have been feeling rather lonely.  As I've stepped back and quieted myself to evaluate this, a realization I have come to is that there has been a lot of emotional / relational drama in my life in the past year or so especially.  I've started to feel that relationships with people are highly overrated and that maybe I can be an island. No? Are you sure?  I'm so happy in my relationship with God.  I love what I am continuing to learn about Him on a daily basis and what He continues to show me about my heart and this life that He is guiding me through.  The people I am in healthy relationships with, I am very happy!  Part of what a healthy relationship to me is one where both can be completely themselves.  When offenses happen, we can come to each other and work it out in maturity, honesty, and love.

  This isn't always easy and has been very difficult for much of my life.  However, I began understanding how important it is for me, when it comes to conflict, to take a serious look at what I need to own up to or take responsibility for.  I pray and ask God to search my heart, the situation, and help me to humble myself in the conflict.  Certainly not always easy but most definitely brings about resolution when both of us are able to do this and it most definitely takes both of us if true restoration is going to happen. 
So, why am I not happy?  I have observed that many do not understand this principal of taking the log out of their own eye before they point out the splinter in mine.  When conflict has arisen the other party can not see where they need to take responsibility or even understand that this is an important step in conflict resolution.  In their responses they have been either insensitive, accusatory, and/or condescending.  There has also been an additional issue for some...control.  These people want to control things in my life and make decisions about things that are not theirs to make.  What is up with all of that?  All of it has me seriously thinking that all of this I hear about how God made us for relationship with others and how much we need relationship is seriously flawed.  I totally understand how I need relationship with God but...everyone else...really?  I don't need all this drama.  Give me the island, please! 
Now I will step down off my "soap box" and just say that I do see CLEARLY in God's Word our need for each other.  The word used most is "fellowship".  There are so many Bible verses to support this that if I typed them all out this would look more like a commentary for a Bible Study then a simple blog post.  So, despite what I am feeling, I will continue to attempt to de-escalate the drama and work through the conflict to the best of my ability.  Some have already decided that I am not worth having in their life any more and have withdrawn and removed various avenues we used to communicate.  I have come to accept that.  I don't like it but if that is how they feel to move forward from here then that is their choice. 
I guess the answer to my own question of whether or not I need others is a resounding "YES".  I need you but more importantly I need "healthy" you and you need "healthy" me.  Life is way too short to waste time being in dysfunctional relationships. 
I'll end with just one verse.  2 Corinthians 13:11, "And that's about it, friends. Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure." (The MSG)