Are We Good for Each Other?

To an audience of young people, a wise counselor recently proposed a question concerning those with whom they keep company — a question which all of us could well ask concerning ourselves and all our associates: “Are we good for each other?”¹ It is a question which in youth could well be asked of pals and playmates. A boy and a girl well could ask if of those with whom they keep company. It is a question that people should surely ask as they select business associates. And it certainly is a question that all should ask before making a commitment as to marriage. It is a pertinent question in the selection of all associates. Inevitably we tend to be affected by the character and qualities of those with whom we keep company. Tennyson said it in a single sentence: “It am a part of all I have met.”² We take from others; we give to others; and something of us all rubs off on all of us in any association. And in school, at work, wherever long or short friendships, and especially where romantic interests are in mind of in the making, we should earnestly consider: “Are we good for each other?”¹ A boy and a girl must consider whether or not in being together they bring out the best. Do they encourage and inspire — or pull each other down. Do they neglect work and duties unduly when they are keeping company? Do they neglect school, church, preparation, practice? Do their marks go down? Do they lift each other to live to high standards, or tempt each other to let down to lower standards? Some affect others adversely. Some are understanding, and others aren’t. Some are coldly critical, and some are constructively encouraging. Young people who become enamoured of each other sometimes tend to spend together too long a time, to linger too long and too late, and neglect too many other things, and exclude too many other friends, and draw too much away from family. In this life which moves so swiftly, and which reaches so far in its everlasting effects, those with whom we would want to live our lives, should lift our lives, and bring out the best, and help us to be better. And well would we ask each other always and frankly concerning ourselves, and as to all our associates: “Are we good for each other?”¹ In the lasting things of life, do we help each other to be at our best?