There is a particular phrase I hear many a time "you have not changed one bit". Normally depending on who says this to me I feel nervous or actually very delighted. If its said from a long lost very special friend because of what we shared I am usually certain its meant as a compliment. Have you ever reconnected with someone that was close to you in the past and find that time has changed the current of the friendship. It may be because the other has developed into this whole different person, not a bad person but just not your ideal type of company. So when I see this long lost friend and we are within five minutes talking like we were never apart, it an awesome feeling of comfort and relaxation.
There are other times when this phrase is said to me by someone who I never really got along with, it is kind of like you did not like me then, and you do not like me now. It is either the other's fault or mine, and when it is the other's fault, maybe because they have an unpleasant and unfriendly vibe then I am not worried. But if it is my fault of being quick-tempered or some other fault I have then there is a big problem! You could not have seen me when I was thirteen and see me at twenty one and dismiss me as the same sharp tongued little brat. I want you to see this new empowered woman I have been working so hard to be. Within the first five minutes of our re-friendship or re-acquaintance I want you to say "wow I am so impressed". There is warmth in knowing a friend likes you the way you are, but there is joy when a friend is blown away by your improvements. There is a sense of growth you feel when someone who never rated you in the past, is captivated by your spirit, and enthused by your proactivity.
When you see me I want you to see a young strong woman, and not a feeble little girl. When you see me I want you to see in my eyes, the future the world needs. I want you to see me in the best way you allow yourself to, forgive my mistakes, accept my apologies and welcome my growth.
