Friends

According to one definition, a friend is a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations. That is true enough, but that obviously does not always apply, depending on the circumstances. My husband is my friend. When my parents were still living, we were friends. I consider my three sons my friends. I am also lucky enough to have male and female friends as well.

If you confide in a friend, your confidences should be respected. That is the plus side. The negative side is that they will give you their unvarnished opinions whether you want to hear them or not. Plus, they should always have your best interests at heart. You may not always think this is true at the time when they hit you with their viewpoint, but it levels the playing field of your emotional landscape.

Over the years, I have been blessed with the best of friends and the worst of friends. I know what you are thinking. How can you possibly be blessed with the worst of friends? Because it makes you appreciate the good ones even more! You know that phrase no one is perfect? While accurate, a true friend will always point that out, even when you think they are way off base. I try to convey that in my Samantha Jamison mysteries. A true friend really is priceless. Eye rolls included!

A true friend will intuitively know when it is time to back off or intercede without even being asked. They will stand by you emotionally and physically, long distance and within a hand’s touch. That emotional support is the life sustaining substance that helps us thrive and grow as human beings.

Consider yourself lucky to have several true friends, but also consider yourself just as lucky to have one true one. The number is insignificant. It is their trueness, veracity, support and the comfort zone you should cherish. It’s like going home on a cold, rainy day to a welcoming, warm fire greeting you, a nonjudgmental hug of warmth and understanding.

When you lose a friend to death, the loss can feel insurmountable. There is this black void, a certain comfort zone that is no longer there, a familiar slot you securely fell into for guidance, emotional support and some good common sense advice that suddenly has vaporized into thin air.

Celebrate life. Celebrate friends. Don’t take either for granted.

Chase your dreams and remember everyday is a blessing!

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12 Responses to Friends

  1. Pat says:

    So beautifully written, makes one take a breath and think of a true friend. Very thoughtfully linked to October’s breast cancer awareness….thanks for the moment.

  2. Diane says:

    What a lovely statement about friendship. We all want friends — especially that one close friend who seems to know you better than you know yourself. I am going to share your “Friends” article with some important people in my life. Thank you for once again touching me with you thoughtful and sensitive writing.

  3. Joyce says:

    Andy Rooney recently stated that a writer expresses what others are thinking or feeling.

    Thank you for eloquently writing what many of us are feeling.

  4. Pradeepa says:

    Thank you for sharing great thoughts about friends and Link for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

    In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month; let’s offer support, courage to women touched by Breast Cancer!

  5. romayne says:

    Like the word love,the word friend is used so freely by all. Reading your words regarding friendship has started me thinking in many directions regarding friendship. It seems there are different meanings and levels to this word to each person that uses it. You certainly have expressed it in a very thoughtful way. I like to think that I also have “friends” in the most genuine and positive way. Thank you for your words.

  6. The word “friend,” like “love,” has so many, many layers and meanings. We need 1,000 words for both of these, as many as the Eskimos have words for snow. Still, you captured the essence of “friend” and I loved reading this. Thank you for your eloquence and depth of feeling.

  7. Valerie says:

    Beautiful thoughts 🙂 Thank you for sharing!

  8. Judy says:

    Thank you for expressing the meaning of friends in this kind and thoughtful manner, especially during breast cancer month. It really made me stop and think how much I really do value all of my family and friends in my life and I am so grateful for each and every one of them, including the ones that I have lost.

  9. Your post makes me think of our online friends. They are people we may never meet in person, and they come and go on our Facebook page and Twitter messages. I always wonder where they went? Too bad it’s all so temporary, although they have often really made a difference in my life!

    • Marla,
      I think it’s the connection we make with one another that is important. Even though some may be temporary, they still have an effect on us whether we realize it or not. The fabric of our lives are filled with these so-called moments. I treasure them all. Thank you for your insightful response to my post.
      Peggy

  10. Cat McMahon says:

    Dear Peggy,
    What a beautiful tribute to “friendship”. If we are privileged to have but one true friend in life, then we have been truly blessed. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and teaching others through your writing how to nurture and cherish friendships.

    Always,
    Cat

    • Cat,
      Thanks so much for your lovely comments in response to my post. I am always taken back by how people relate to them in so many different ways. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
      Peggy

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