The meaning of friendship
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what draws me to people or keeps me at arms’ length. and marvel at my good fortune to have been drawn to such good folks. Maybe it’s that I’ve spent the last couple of days with relatively new friends. It’s been a wonderful discovery period, as my previous connection had been a real-life introduction at a conference, and continued contact with one of this lovely couple through Facebook, the result of a shared passion for Scrabble. Now, having met both of them and spending time ensconced in their guest room, I am grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know them (and their pets), and look forward to reciprocal visits. It’s nice to be around two women so obviously happy, and so delighting in each other’s love and affection, as well. Their warmth radiates out to anyone in their immediate vicinity.
Another couple, local to me, are folks I’ve just gotten to know better. Introduced to them by fluke through an American colleague who since moved back to the us, they started out as business contacts, and are now entrenched as good friends. Recently, I had the opportunity to do a good deed, and house sat / horse sat for them. Seeing them each day as they came by to do horse care, going out for the odd meal together, and interacting with them in small ways - for example, they brought over a modem so I could have internet access - gave me a glimpse into their innate goodness. Again, a couple who show their warmth and emotional depth with each other and those in their circles, whether it be with their horses or their friends.
Another is a long-time friend who renewed her friendship after a many-year hiatus. I’ve always admired her maturity and groundedness, and am extremely grateful to have her in my life. And of course, my best friend, who can finish my paragraph before I’ve completed the first sentence, and has insights into “problematic” relationships, because of her counselling background, and shares insights that it would have taken me years to figure out on my own. These are just a few of the people I’m blessed to have in my life, and the ones that have recently come to the fore to show me support and love.
I could talk about what keeps me at arms’ length from others, but there is no sense is bringing that negativity to this post. Suffice to say that interactions during difficult times have a way of speaking volumes. To those of my friends who have made me feel special during what could have been a far more difficult time, I am eternally grateful.