Reputation

I have never really thought about my reputation as a thing very much. When I have though, it has mostly been in the context of doing big huge bad things that make people not like me. Which, while part of it is not a frequent issue. I guess that's part of why I didn't think about it much.

Also, I usually have thought of it in the context of people who don't know me well. Basically, if they are my friend then reputation isn't a thing and I don't have to worry about it.

I had some experiences recently that brought the whole idea of reputation to the front of my mind, and really recast it in a different way.

The details aren't the important part, but the result is. Everyone, even my friends are paying attention to what I do. How I behave affects their view of me, and while I usually behave myself well enough so that my behavior isn't a make or break friendship issue there are affects.

The real affects come in the depth of the relationship. Am I someone who can be relied on? Can I be trusted? Do I show myself to be a real friend?

The kicker here, and this is the biggest thing I realized, is that the things that really move the needle on reputation are usually really small. Like, texting someone a smiley face, or asking a question or two.

The specifics aren't what matter so much as being attentive and showing genuine care. So be attentive and intentional of the small things and you will become a better friend.