I believe everyone will agree that when someone utters the phrase "through thick and thin", that person means they will be there for another person when times are good and when times are bad. I also believe that most people would argue that it is more important to trust that your friends, family, and colleagues will be by your side through the difficulties - the end of a relationship, ill health, life crises, etc.
I don't disagree with this argument. I've been through enough ups and downs, in my life and in the lives of my friends, to understand at a soul-deep level that sometimes, it is only because you have the strength of your loved ones to lean on that you are able at all to get through the trials that are thrown your way. But I would argue that it is just as important to have this network of strength supporting you through your moments of incredible joy - the beginning of a relationship, a new career opportunity, the birth of a child, etc.
The column Science of Us published an article on "capitalization", a term they describe as "the process of telling others about our successes and getting a positive reaction". The article explains the effect of capitalization on romantic relationships - more intimacy, well-being, stability - but I believe this is important in all relationships that people care to nurture. When a person runs to their friends to tell them about an amazing first date, does that person want to be greeted with a shrug and lukewarm "great", or do they want their friends to jump up and down and exchange enthusiastic high fives, and be enthusiastic? When a family member tells you they're expecting a child, do you react with cool sensibility or warmth and excitement? When a colleague accepts a promotion, do you tear down their new department and huff because you'll be left short-staffed, or do you send them off with good luck and best wishes?
My hope is to give positive support as freely and willingly as I lend strength when life gets thin. And I know I have much room for growth when it comes to providing support in either direction. It's something I am aware of every single day, how much I have to improve. But my ultimate goal is to be the friend, family member, and colleague that people will run to, with good and/or bad news, because they are secure in the knowledge that I will be there for them, through thick and thin.
