On Friendship
First off, my appologies in the long delay in posts. I’ve had a rough few weeks - and I am sure the next few won’t be much better. These rough weeks have given me a lot of opportunities to think about what is keeping me sane. Friends.
Friends can take many different forms. Some friends are buddies, while others are companions. Others can be lovers, and some can be confidants. The only real requirement for friendship is that two people actually care about one another. The level of caring can vary, but there must be some minimal form.
Now, I am fortunate to have some great friends. Over the years they have come and gone, and that happens in life. I’ve only had two people whom I have considered ‘best’ friends in my lifetime, and unfortunately distance and time has made those friendships wear away. However, I am very close with several friends, and I want to quickly mention two friendships that have helped me past the few weeks more than I could have asked.
It’s strange, I’ve known one friend for 7 years, and the other for about 6 months… but how long I’ve known them doesn’t matter. The key with why they have been such great friends is simple: They were exactly what I needed, at exactly the right time. I couldn’t have asked for anything more from them.
Sometimes just being able to hang out isn’t enough. Being able to have a friend that can be there, and care, truly care, can lift your spirits beyond that of anything you could expect. The friend might have a role that isn’t just a bar buddy, or a hug pal. They may be there for you physically, or maybe virtually. The friend needs to have the qualities that help supplement you in the moment, and make your life, and theirs, better.
The reason I wanted to mention my two friends is because I have also had to say goodbye to them in the past week. Sure, I’ll stay in touch, but they are both moving farther away, and remaining as close of friends will be difficult. However, they will still be friends - just their role will change. They know who they are - but I want another chance to tell them thank you. Thank you.
So, seize the moment and remember to appreciate the friends you have - it becomes easy to forget how important they may be in your life. I know that sometimes I forget. So, in the past few weeks, I have tried to make it a point to tell my friends how much they’ve helped me through. Sure, it sounds corny, but I think its something that should be said - especially if I want to be a good friend back.
August 13th, 2008 at 10:06 am
That was a really nice post - I’ve been thinking a lot about friends lately too, since I’m moving to college in a few weeks. I think I’ve yet to experience a friend I could call my “best friend” - but I doubt I would have gotten through my last years of high school without a few people I’ve felt very close to. I’ll be lucky to find people that great in college :).
September 17th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
That really is a good post, makes you stop and think, and also analyze everything and everyone doesn’t it?