When the right thing comes, stars align, endeavours work out and luck is on our side.
It doesn't mean no work is involved, but that doubt doesn't quite take hold, there is a flow and a trust, a bond that only needs nurture.
Through the cultivation, everything flourishes, ripples out, establishing strength, joy, direction, influence over others, a virtuous cycle of happy momentum.
We get to enjoy our gifts and multiply them, we have something real to share with the world.
Developing a connection demands willingness to adapt, a surrender; opening up, receiving and evolving at the contact of another.
There is a caution, a choice not to rush, until a shared understanding is reached, that we are on the same side.
Then this bond becomes prime over individual endeavours, but not at the expense of either one.
Affinity includes refusing 'against-hood' - both involved are committed to protecting the relationship, to never to damaging it.
As the appeal is first felt, hesitation to act dominates.
There is the temptation to get closer, to move towards that new found affinity, to embrace what it has to offer. There is a need to act, own, answer the call. And there is the fear to get it wrong, to have misread the signs, that the affinity is one way.
Affinity changes us when we engage in it, whether or not it is met with reciprocity. How soon we take that step towards is up to us.
As much as action is the way forward, the affinity can only be secured in moving together.
Pushy action, calling the tune are unwelcome, damage the relationship.
This part is a dance, the lead is subtle and playful, only effective if the other is willing to follow.
Cultivating affinity requires reciprocity, coming together on a mutual basis.
That alignment cannot be obtained in a state of urgency, driven by primal instincts or in a reactionary manner.
As much as the appeal can be acknowledged and the movement towards each other can begin, it is not enough to cement the affinity.
The make up of affinity is a sense of belonging, of being stronger together than in isolation.
Nothing cements that better than a common goal or cause, and the adversity that comes it. True loyalty takes shape in the pursuit of solutions, the lifting of doubts, the fabric of determination.
A bond becomes sacred when those involved choose to protect it as such, as an integral part of who they stand to be.
It takes respect, right priorities, decency, clear lines and overall, purposeful caring for the relationship as much as the individuals in it.
The truth in the bond is immune to external influence. It doesn't require validation and doesn't fear objections, instead it stands authentic and unquestionable.
Through discontent, hurt, mystery, and differences, we are tempted to withdraw, hide, sugar-coat or emphasise.
We dread rejection, resistance or criticism, so we manipulate the truth to protect ourselves.
Affinity requires communication, the willingness to air discomfort and allow collaborative resolution.
It starts with the look on our face, a smile or a frown, an attempt at authenticity that invites more.
Influence
Wooing
Mutual Influence (Attraction)
Reciprocity
Being affected