yin-yang

In my weekend travels I went and saw an old friend.  He knew me thru the worst times and he's seen me to my best times.  We differ a tremendous amount in many ways.  He is a very care free soul and we have very opposing views on many topics.  The fact is, though, that thru the years we have relied on each other for alot of things.  I suffer from being a second born child, I am very serious and competitive.  I expect no one to be perfect EXCEPT me.  I must be perfect at all times and be the best at everything I can to be of value.  My friend is a care free hippie that doesn't know where his next pay check will come from but he manages.  He takes it a day at a time and never takes himself too serious.   When we spend time together he helps me realize that I do not have to be perfect, that it's ok to mess up once in a while, just be real about it.  I help him to get his shit organized and motivated and see that he doesn't drown in the sea of life.  We have a symbiotic relationship of sorts and it's very interesting.  I didn't realize all this until lastnight.  Who is your yin and are you their yang?  It is a difficult balance to walk that requires alot of respect. Often such drastic and different views can clash and in the end cause strife, but genuine friendship that can overlook flaws can make these some of the best relationships because you have what each other needs in life.