Yada Yada Yada

I know that I am probably showing my age here, but did anyone have images of Jerry Seinfeld and George Costanza in mind when you read that title? Back in my college days, this was likely the most popular TV show on and it boasted being a show about nothing. Crazy right?!  Yet, it was wildly popular and even now has quite a following on streaming platforms these many years since. Although Seinfeld was a show about nothing, this post does actually have a purpose and meaning; all about yada actually. 

The word yada is a Hebrew word that means “to know.” Thus the popular phrase on the 90’s TV show would be “I know, I know, I know.” However we are not simply talking about knowing as in knowing that it is (or is not) raining outside. No, this is actually a deeper knowledge —to know by experience, to be very acquainted with. It is actually one of three Hebrew words that when put together create the meaning to our English word ‘intimacy.’ Yada is the deep personal knowledge that is the building block(s) to a close relationship. This speaks to the great desire that you have when a relationship is new; it is that desire to know all that you can and then to dive deeper with what you then know. When my wife and I first met, we spent untold hours talking to each other with my goal/desire to know all that I could and then even more. 

“…the basis of the relationship is knowing and understanding one another…”

You see, our English word intimacy has become synonymous in our 21 century American culture with sex—yet the two are not synonymous. Intimacy is so much more than sex although  sex is or can be one possible result of the intimate relationship. In close relationship(s) the basis of the relationship is knowing and understanding one another which results in a tremendous bond/friendship. Of course there is so much more, but it really needs to start with a great friendship and a great relationship starts with knowing each other —-in a deep and personal way. 

In your relationship, are you friends? Are you best of friends? Do you know each other in a deep and personal way? You may have started out by passing a note and checking Yes or No, but are you still learning one another? The long term goal for relationships is to constantly be learning about each other and keeping the conversation going. Make that your work this week, get to know your partner even more,  keep learning him or her in order to keep the bond of friendship strong. 

If you or someone that you know are struggling with a relationship we would love the opportunity at Brown Counseling and Coaching to assist you in becoming better friends, finding peace, and a way forward for the relationship. Appointments can be made by calling 904-885-0215 or clicking this LINK.