Extended Care
A random appreciation post for something I've seen in some of my friends.
One of my favorite qualities in a friend is when they show more love to your family than they may even do to you when in their presence.
Not in the sense that they feel the need to take digs at you (which I’ve been definitely guilty of myself before) but that they care to connect with your loved ones as an extension of their love and care for you.
It reminds me of a Hadith about looking after your parent’s friends after your parents pass:
Abdullah ibn Umar reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Among the best acts of righteousness is to keep relations with a man who was loved by one’s father.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2552
This is honestly something I can only hope to embody one day in the same manner I’ve seen my father do for my grandfather’s friends in Pakistan. I don’t really have much else to say but this was something I felt was powerful in strengthening relationships both with your friends and family. Just showing love to people because they’re dear to someone you love is a beautiful thing. No other complexity needed here.
Consider this your gentle reminder to put forth this same effort if you’ve seen it from your friends. If this resonated with you, let me know. Otherwise, I’ll see you next post.