What's the difference between someone that supports you and someone that challenges you?

What's the difference between someone that supports you and someone that challenges you?

Do you have people in your life that do both? or only one or the other?

I've been thinking about this lately in the context of relationships, both work and personal.

I have a lot of people in my life who support me, cheer me on, and have my back when I need it.

I love the care, the kindness, the genuine cheerleading.

And recently I've increased the number of people in my life who truly *challenge* me.

They ask questions.
They don't always laugh at my jokes.
They push back when they disagree.
They tell me I can do better.

(Yes, I'm primarily talking about my 11-year-old, but adults too! 😉)

And let's be honest, when someone strongly disagrees with my ideas, my first impulse is to get a little huffy. Maybe even a little defensive.

I mean, I'm right 99.9% of the time, aren't I? 😅

But in my heart I know what a powerful gift it is to hear a different perspective, to question my assumptions.

So I'm practicing curiosity and active listening these days.
I'm trying to welcome challenge and push myself to grow from the experience.

What about you? Who challenges you in your work and life?