Facebook has taken "Friends" to a whole new level of mediocrity.
It really sucked the day I realized that no matter who you are, there are few people you can call true friends. So many are there when times are good, when there's something they're getting from the relationship. Could be that you're the one to confide in, or the unfailing lunch date, or the one at the end of the phone call, or the faithful blog commenter.
But when it comes down to having someone who considers you as essential and important as life itself, that narrows your pool of "friends."
Having realized this fairly early in life through some devastating disappointments, I now feel empowered by it. I reconize the Big Friends in my life. They're the kind of people you don't have to speak with everyday, but you know in a heartbeat, you could pick up just where you left off. And we would do almost anything to care for one another. Isn't it grand to know someone like that? And to feel that way about someone else?
I'll have a chance on Saturday afternoon to spend some time with one of my Big Friends. We haven't seen each other in months. We live in the same town but also live very different lives. Still, she could call on a me and in a moment's notice and I would be there, and know I could expect the same with her. We may have different perspectives, but we always have a common ground of trust and respect. And I find brilliance in her comments, thought processes and ability to see a purpose in everything--make everything work somehow, even when she doesn't fully understand it.
Any experiences with Big Friendships?
8 comments:
I agree with your idea about big friends... I have quite a few. They are there even when I'm not. They have stuck with me even in my worst moods. I treasure these big friendships a lot. xoxo
I have been blessed my whole life with "Big Friendships." This month two girlfriends that I've known since 7th grade are coming to visit. Haven't seen them in years, but when we talk, it's like no time has gone by at all. I have several friends like that from all throughout my life. My friends and my health have been my biggest blessings. Have a lovely time with your friend.
Yah, that's one of the reasons I quit Facebook: it was so trite and lacking in emotional bonds.
I have a couple of permanent friends like you describe, the no-maintenance-required friends. Not many. Most are transient, like life. But any friendship is good.
Big Friendships, absolutely. Mine are mostly uni (college) friends who I grew thick as thieves and over the subsequent post-graduation years have stayed solid with despite our various travels and journeys in very different places.
Darn these stupid hands of mine because I just miss your blog so much! This post is just one reason I miss it. I love how you write and what you write about. True friends are hard to find and I hope you have a wonderful time with yours!
I'm sneaking a few visits in today but then I'm probably going to have to take some real time off because I know I'll be even worse. My nerves are in very bad shape.
Yes, I know exactly what you mean. I am also blessed with a hand full best friends. Some live thousands of miles away but when we get to see each other every couple of years it really feels like we had just seen each other yesterday.
I quit facebook just recently because it didn't "feel right" to me...
Thank you for visiting my photo blog! :))
Michaela
Having a couple of Big Friends is worth way more than bunches of little friends. Hope you had a wonderful time with your Big Friend, reminds me I need to call one of mine up and make plans.
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