I have a lot of people in my life, and I think there's something
I have a lot of people in my life, and I think there's something key: the thing that leads to intimacy and relationship and connection is tenderness.
When Greg Boyle declares, “I have a lot of people in my life, and I think there’s something key: the thing that leads to intimacy and relationship and connection is tenderness,” he speaks as one who has walked among the broken and the wounded with compassion. His words remind us that the deepest bonds are not forged through power, wealth, or even words, but through the quiet strength of tenderness — the gentle touch of understanding that allows another soul to feel seen.
The origin of this wisdom lies in Boyle’s ministry among those cast aside by society. As a priest and servant of the marginalized, he learned that true relationship cannot be built upon fear or judgment, but upon kindness. He saw that hardened lives could be softened, estranged people brought into communion, when they were met not with condemnation but with tenderness. His experience testifies to the eternal truth that mercy is the foundation of healing.
To speak of intimacy and connection through tenderness is to lift up the power of vulnerability. Harshness builds walls, but gentleness opens doors. When one dares to approach another with kindness rather than defense, trust is born. And from trust flows the possibility of true relationship, where hearts are joined not by force but by choice.
His words also carry a rebuke to the world’s obsession with strength defined as domination. True strength, Boyle teaches, is the courage to be gentle in a world that wounds, to show tenderness even when it may seem weak. For it is this very gentleness that awakens the divine spark in others, reminding them of their dignity and worth.
Let the generations remember: tenderness is not softness of spirit, but the highest form of power — the power to heal, to reconcile, to unite. Greg Boyle’s words endure as a call to all who seek deeper connection: that the way to lasting relationship and genuine intimacy is not through fear or control, but through the quiet, transformative gift of tenderness.
TTNguyen Tran Thu Thao
I really appreciate Greg Boyle’s emphasis on tenderness as a key to intimacy. It suggests that intimacy isn't just about emotional or physical closeness, but about how we treat each other with care. Do you think that tenderness can overcome other challenges in relationships, such as misunderstandings or differences? Or do you think that it’s something that needs to be nurtured alongside other qualities like trust and respect?
TNTan Nguyen
Greg Boyle’s quote about tenderness highlights the beauty of human connection. Tenderness creates space for vulnerability and understanding, essential for closeness. In your experience, do you think it’s easier to show tenderness to those who are already close to you, or is it something you can offer freely to new people as well? How does tenderness influence the way we navigate conflicts or difficult situations in relationships?
JHJfb Hhfnf
Greg Boyle’s perspective on tenderness is both refreshing and insightful. It makes me wonder, do we sometimes forget how important tenderness is because we're too focused on achieving other relationship goals like communication or shared goals? Can tenderness be the foundation of all these other qualities, or do they need to come first for tenderness to flourish? How do you incorporate tenderness into your relationships?
KDKHANH Duy
Boyle’s quote makes me think about how often we overlook tenderness in favor of more dramatic qualities like passion or intensity. But real connection seems to come from those subtle moments of care and gentleness. How often do we truly show tenderness in our relationships? Do you think society encourages this, or is it often seen as too soft or weak in today’s fast-paced world?
DNthi duyen nguyen
I love how Greg Boyle ties tenderness to intimacy and connection. It reminds me that the foundation of any meaningful relationship is empathy and gentleness. Do you agree that tenderness is the key to building deep relationships, or do you think other qualities, like trust or communication, play a bigger role in fostering closeness? How do you think people can become more tender with those around them?