I’ve given a lot of thought to what friendship means to me lately, and this is how I see it.
I am fortunate enough to have some very, very fabulous, warm, caring, thoughtful people in my life. Some friends I talk to a couple of times a year, some a couple of times a month, some a couple of times a week, and some a couple of times a day. I think this is very normal, healthy even! I’m not necessarily closer to those who I talk to less frequently, I love my friends, am grateful for them and think about them very often.
I have shortcomings, yes. I’m very aware of them, and do try my best to be the friend to others that they are to me.
I am fairly certain that my friends know how much I love them. How much I appreciate them. That if I knew how to do more or be better, I would, and that I’m slowly but surely making progress. I care, and they know that. I cry with them, I worry with them, and even if I don’t say it often enough, I love them so much I would move heaven and earth for them if I could.
I relate things to things I’ve been through. I think a lot of us do that, and I think that’s healthy too. I believe that’s what makes friends close, similar experiences like that. When you can relate to someone and what they’ve been through or what they’re going through, you form a bond. I believe that the truest form of friendship is to understand the other person enough to know that they are who they are, and love them because of that.
I learned a long time ago that things aren’t going to go my way, that friendships are each different, unique, and totally priceless. Each person has qualities that are so different from mine and I love that about each of my friends. I learn from them, my life is enriched by their outlook, by their responses, by their friendship. I may not agree with them all the time, and I love that too. It is all a learning experience, a wonderful one at that.
I have learned over the last couple of years that (take note, this comes from a professed conservative!) differences make the world go round. We click with people because of our similarities, sure. But it is our differences that trigger learning, teach us how to truly love without judgement, and show us how to truly behave in a way that accepts differences with (more) open arms. You can have your opinion, and I can have mine, and we can be friends anyway because I love you and respect you as an individual.
I think about friendship a lot. Why? Because I’d love to be a better friend. At the same time, I’d like it very much if the people I loved knew I loved them, and I’d love it even more if they accepted me for who I am and how I know to be a friend to them. It may not be perfect, and I may not be what you expect, and I may never get to my e-mail, I might not call you back in 20 minutes, I may even ignore the phone if I’m painting.
That doesn’t mean I love you any less, that just means that I have a life too, that I’m an individual, an odd artsy-fartsy individual, with feelings and lots of love and caring that I show better through paintings and creativity than any other medium on the face of the planet.
We all have our own ways of showing people we care. I just wanted to spill my guts about this right now, while it’s fresh on my mind.
{12 Comments}
That says tons! I guess I couldn’t of said it better myself!:lol:
I love you too! I count as a friend even though I’m your little sis, right?! I think you’re a great friend. One of my best friends at that. You always listen to me and you ALWAYS, ALWAYS make me laugh. I truely thank you for that and I thank GOD for you!XXOO
I was “called” to stop by here today…just had a nagging feeling to stop in to check up on you and see how you were doing. I’m glad you talked about differences and how they make the world go ’round…because we have ours…but still…I send my love and respect and concern for you…and that has never changed. Wishing you all the best. I think of you often. “Bayarts”
:wink:I feel you are my friend and I love you too. I am very glad I met you online. Have a great night.
🙂 !!!I LOVE WHAT YOU WROTE ABOUT FRIENDS THAT IS ALL SO VERY TRUE .. AND YOU EXPLAINED YOURSELF SO WELL. I FELT LIKE I WAS TALKING TO YOU IN PERSON.. IM GLAD I HAVE MET YOU AS A FRIEND AND LOOK FORWARD TO OUR FRIENDSHIP TO KEEP GROWING THANKS SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING I COULDNT ASK FOR ANY OTHER NEIGHBOR IM SO GLAD I HAVE YOU.. AND THE GIRLS TOO THEY TOO MAKE MY DAYS BRIGHTER.LOVE YOU GUYS..KATHI.
Well said my dear 😉 And you know I love you too **MUAH**
Frienships are like marriages — they both need work. Great post.
Mom, you’re better with the trees. 😉
Tommi, yes of COURSE you’re my friend too, the sister thing is just a bonus!
Stacy, what a good day to be called over huh? I think about you too, and also check in to see what you’re up to from time to time! Thank you for thinking of me and for stopping by! (And also, I just realized how ironic today’s caption pic is! Maybe we need to chat about something??)
Barbara, ditto, I’m glad we met! {{hugs}}
Kathi, awwww…. thank you!!! I couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor, either! Okay, maybe one who was not so intimidated by bold color… 😆 But that’s okay, you’ll come around! 😛
Erikie, truly, you read all of that!? That in itself is a true testament to our friendship! Thank you for everything!!
Jo, how right you are!! Personally, I’m at a place now where I feel like every new friend that I get to know is a friend for life. Life is not only too short, but it’s too precious to not appreciate every little good thing. 🙂
Well said, Leanne. I consider myself blessed to be your friend. We are all different and thank goodness. Wouldn’t life be boring if there were just millions of people like me on this earth? If I wanted to hang out with people like me, I’d be pretty lonely and never leave my house! I consider myself lucky to have someone as different from me as you are for my friend. My life is enriched because of your ideas, thoughts, joy, laughter, tears and talents. You have taught me so much. Thank you. Know that I love you and your family regardless if we talk today or tomorrow or next week. Hugs, clara
I feel very much the same way, you expressed it very well!
You say you are conservative, but I see that you are very open-minded, too. I like that.
I find myself becoming more conservative as I get older, but I never want to lose my open-mindedness and tolerance. I find that you miss too many interesting things if you surround yourself with only people exactly like yourself!
All I can say is GROUP HUGSSS!
You are a beautiful person inside and out Leanne 🙂
hey gal.. i don know what ur name is.. but whoever u are, i would say u r a very true hearted gal.
u have been experienced with many ups and downs in ur relationship but the credit is that u r able to mantain it..
it was really nice to meet u online..
m proud of u though i m noone to feel like that for u..
love,
BhAsHu
Sorry, comments are now closed.