Hello, I hope that everybody was able to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. I love my family but I also have many friends that I’ve kept in touch with over the years. I should have said that I have many good friends, because it seems to me that people use the word friend a little too loosely. The question then becomes, What is a Friend?
The first definition of friend at merriam-webster.com is as follows: one attached to another by affection or esteem. Simple enough, but this definition is so broad. You see I treat friendship seriously; it is in fact a relationship that takes work. Friendship to me is loyalty, tolerance, perseverance, love, laughter, empathy, compromise, and concern. Friends talk, and care and back each other up. They cry the ugly cry together and share the Kleenex box. Friends know your dreams and passions, and they are happy when you realize them. Yet, friend means different things to different people.
Some think that a friend is someone who will leave you alone when you’re depressed or angry, or just plan mad. I feel that a friend is someone who is there even through those bad times. A friend is someone who tells you that you have collards in your teeth, or toilet paper on the bottom of your shoe. A friend will tell you that your boyfriend or husband is messin around even if you don’t want to believe it. A friend respects the person that you are. Don’t expect anyone to be perfect. Yet, don’t be used in the name of friendship. There are those folks who prey on the kindness of their friends. You know, the friend who only calls when he or she wants something. That person has another name in my book, Mooch. Kindness should never be exploited.
Too often the word friend is confused with acquaintance. An acquaintance is just someone whom you’ve known. I’ve confused acquaintances with friends, but I’ve found out soon enough. It’s upsetting when you think that you’ve made a connection with someone and then you’re treated like you don’t really matter. Friends shouldn’t be temporary, should they? I’m the kind of person who likes to make friends, and keep them in my life.
I can truly say that I have some very good friends, true friends, life long friends. Over thirty years ago I met a unique group of women in college; we were all young and inexperienced at life. Somehow we all came together at a crucial time in our lives. We matured together, we laughed and cried together, sometimes we got mad at each other but we always got past those times. Over the years we’ve all gone off on our own separate life paths, but we’ve remained friends. Miles separate us, but we share a sisterly love that allows us to share in each other’s victories and to comfort each other in times of pain. I am fortunate because I have other good friends that I’ve met over the years. I’ve managed to surround myself with caring loving people. They can count on me, and I can count on them. Friends, I couldn’t imagine life without mine.
Well, good people, it’s always nice to share with you. Do you have a friend that you’ve allowed to drift out of your life? Perhaps you’ve just been too busy to write or call. Maybe life just pushed you in a different direction. It isn’t too late, for a phone call, an email, a letter. Don’t wait until it’s too late, we’re all getting older. Who knows, you might just make someone’s day. Until next time, be breezy! (I’ve always wanted to say that to someone.)
