I have realized more recently that I am energized by being with people. Not everyone is. I do need my time and space alone but less than a lot of people I know. I am thankful that I have a core of friends and will not mention names of women friends for fear I will leave someone out.
There are so many good quotes about friends - able to sift your thoughts...I sent a card not too long ago that said: "The best way to have a friend is to be one." It is hard for all of us to reach out and make new friends. I have started to make a few here, but it takes time, a degree of risk and it isn't always easy.
Some people have their base of friends in their family. Some of my closest friends are my immediate and extended family. You start with a base of familiarity.
A good friend is happy to see you - just for you - and that's what's so great about friendship. Usually you have something in common. For men, it is often sports or activities. For women, someone to talk to:). I also think even in a good marriage, you always need friends of the same sex. I know that there are things no human masculine gendered person can understand:) - and vice versa. Work related, faith related, interest related, personality balanced..just a few of the criterion that work well in relationships.
It's great that we don't have to be alike. I like to write, teach..do as little cleaning and cooking as possible while some of my good friends are better with the recipes, sewing and knitting, athletic ventures, etc..
Friends can't and shouldn't be expected to meet all of our needs. I have watched several friendships disintegrate between people because one was too possessive, demanding and/or exclusive. I often find when I think I absolutely need to talk with a friend right now that I can't reach them. Prayer is often my alternative - maybe should have been my first choice.
The cool thing about friends is that you never have too many of them. Like the old commercial about jello, there is always room for more.
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