How to Kill a Plant--I mean, Friendship

I am the plant killing expert. What is the opposite of a green thumb? Yep. That's what I have. There are two ways of killing a plant I want to focus on today. You can either give it too much water--or you can give it too little. A plant is healthy when it gets just the right amount.

A friendship is also healthiest when it gets the right amount of attention. Generally speaking, when it comes to friendship and plants, I am usually guilty of under watering. I get preoccupied and put off contacting a friend until "the best possible time"--which, of course, is never. I don't burn bridges so much as I dry out plants.

It is, of course, possible to over water a friendship. It's possible (though rare) to pay too much attention to a friend, getting "all up in each other's business." I've been guilty of that once in a while.

The best way to refresh an over watered plant is to let it dry out for a bit. I have a Christmas cactus (that I never water), and the rule is to stick your finger in the dirt. If it's wet, don't water. If it's dry, give it something to drink. I also have a beautiful orchid, and while reading about caring for it, I read that if you over water the orchid, the roots can begin to rot.  Ain't nobody got time for that!

So, in friendships, as in plant care, sticking your finger in the dirt every now and then is important. Check on the health of your friendships. Give water where water is needed. Give a little sun and fresh air where water is in excess. Let the roots dry before they rot.