10 Simple Yet Powerful "Closeness Lines" That Show How Relationships Change Over Time
Olivia de Recat a writer and cartoonist living in Los Angeles, whose illustrations whose works have been featured in The New Yorker, The American Bystander and many other publications. In one of her recent illustrations, she perfectly explained complicate relationships using just a few lines.
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Olivia de Recat a writer and cartoonist living in Los Angeles, whose illustrations whose works have been featured in The New Yorker, The American Bystander and many other publications. In one of her recent illustrations, she perfectly explained complicate relationships using just a few lines.
In an interview with Bored Panda, the artist said the 'closeness lines' are meant to illustrate a dance: "Each relationship consists of two lives, independent and moving by/of their own volition. So, you really can't force closeness with anyone. All you can do is be there for the ones you love when they need you, and vice versa. This is perhaps why the 'Parent' line punched so many people in the gut."
Image credits: Terence Patrick
Olivia thinks it's important to identify when a relationship is difficult and not worth one's energy. "Knowing that comes from understanding your core values, and feeling confident about where your 'line' is going. When you're at peace with yourself, I think you're drawn to partners who are moving in a similar direction, even if they can be a pain in the ass sometimes," says the artist. She believes that in the end, only a handful of people stay with you through the thick and thin: "In time, you’ll know who these people are, because they will ignite something inside of you that is true and dazzling and ineffable. In committing to them, you’ll also be committing to yourself."
The artist says she had trouble letting go in the past but has since learned to move on. "The pain just exists, and you can either deal with it up front, or drop it in a hole and handle it later. Either way, it's going to resurface. And if you choose to bury it, it will probably germinate into some bizarre, unruly thing that will threaten all the good stuff you've been planting," says Olivia. "One way I'm learning to let go is by releasing myself from the idea of how I think my lines should be, and allow them to exist as they are."
More info: oliviaderecat.com | Instagram | h/t: Bored Panda
Image credits: Terence Patrick
Olivia thinks it's important to identify when a relationship is difficult and not worth one's energy. "Knowing that comes from understanding your core values, and feeling confident about where your 'line' is going. When you're at peace with yourself, I think you're drawn to partners who are moving in a similar direction, even if they can be a pain in the ass sometimes," says the artist. She believes that in the end, only a handful of people stay with you through the thick and thin: "In time, you’ll know who these people are, because they will ignite something inside of you that is true and dazzling and ineffable. In committing to them, you’ll also be committing to yourself."
The artist says she had trouble letting go in the past but has since learned to move on. "The pain just exists, and you can either deal with it up front, or drop it in a hole and handle it later. Either way, it's going to resurface. And if you choose to bury it, it will probably germinate into some bizarre, unruly thing that will threaten all the good stuff you've been planting," says Olivia. "One way I'm learning to let go is by releasing myself from the idea of how I think my lines should be, and allow them to exist as they are."
More info: oliviaderecat.com | Instagram | h/t: Bored Panda
Many people related to Olivia's illustrations
Some even created lines of their own:
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