relationships, ukemi

Throughout my life I've had relationships with people who I want to become closer friends with, who do not necessarily feel the need to do the same. I've long since come to understand that it's simply a matter of my not having much to offer that's of value to them, but it remains challenging at times to keep such a perspective in mind.

Recently I've been thinking a lot about how being a good friend to these people is sort of like being a good uke; in fact, perhaps this is the way one should approach all relationships (IMHGO - in my humble gokyu opinion).

A good uke is present, attentive and stays connected no matter where nage goes.
A good uke respects the boundary set by nage; he does not try to push past that. It is nage's choice to respond to uke's presence - so until nage chooses to do so, the most uke can do is to remain present and connected.
A good uke is relaxed, energetic, and flexible.
A good uke offers his center and his balance to nage so that nage may be able to learn the technique. As a result, uke necessarily puts himself in a vulnerable position for the benefit of nage.
A good uke is prepared to have his balance taken by nage; he is prepared to fall. A good uke knows that while he sometimes has to take the fall, it's of utmost important to do so in a way that preserves himself, and more importantly, to get back up after the fall.
A good uke is honest. He does not fall unless he has to. He does not resist unreasonably or break his connection with nage just to avoid falling.
Most importantly, a good uke learns something about himself and about nage from each and every fall he takes, so that every future exchange is an improvement from the one before for both sides.