How many friends do you have? Possibly more or less than you think. Your real friends show up when everyone else has walked away. We have many acquaintances in life but not that many close friends. How many people know you and still love you and want to be around you? So many of our relationships today are surface relationships. People only know your surface. They don’t know your hurts, fears, problems, stresses, failures and so much more.
Most likely your spouse or significant other knows you well and still loves you and is there for you. Most parents are there for their children and grandchildren but they are family. You don’t really consider them friends because the relationship is deeper and more intimate. However, it’s nice if you feel like you have family who are friends. A friend will be there regardless of success or failure. They rejoice in your successes and hurt with you in your failures. Real friendship doesn’t hinge on failure. Friendship supports, helps and communicates. Most of us don’t communicate unless we feel it’s safe to do so. You don’t want to talk to someone who is going to blister you with judgement and condemnation. Although a good friend will listen and try to steer you in the right direction without emotionally debilitating you. No one wants to share their aspirations or pain with someone who is a critical, arrogant know it all.
Some of your best friends may not be the people you run around with all the time. They actually may be those people you just see occasionally but when you do see them, there is a peaceful bond of respect, love and open dialogue.
