"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." -- Anais Nin
When I was a child I had no social skills. I had a hard time making friends because I just didn't know how to do it. In fact, I was so certain that I wouldn't be liked that I pretty much made it impossible for anyone to get close to me. By the time I was in junior high school, I just figured friendship was a lost cause.
I had five older brothers and no sisters. So I had an easier time becoming friends with males than females. I never fit into the cliques, knowing how to navigate the you're-in-now-your're-out minefield of female groups.
In high school my learning curve finally started to kick in. It was a slow process. Then I went away to college where I was able to completely reinvent myself without the baggage of who I had been before.
In the years since then I am overwhelmed with the people who have come into my life, and allowed me to touch theirs. I was not given sisters by birth; I have been given sisters of the soul.
Different friendships serve different purposes. There are temporary friendships, permanent ones, revolving door friendships, project-oriented friendships, and others based upon proximity. What they all have in common is love and discovery.
These angels in my life are the answer to the prayers of a socially-inept girl. I tell my friends that I love them. On the phone, in e-mails, on facebook, in person. Many of them are sweet enough to say it back. The especially dear ones beat me to it.
I often hear people complain that "the world isn't fair" and isn't just. I agree that those comments are true, but I say it with joy rather than contempt. If each of us got what we deserved I shudder to think what our lives would become. God has granted me abundantly more than I have asked or dreamed of. We don't live in a world that's fair. We do live in a world that is merciful. My friends have taught me that.
I love you.
Linda
About Me
- Linda
- Cincinnati, OH, United States
- I became single in my 50s and had to start over. It was pretty darn scary. Through the successes and failures, my faith and humor sustained me. Now I'm in my 60s, content, retired, and living a life of gratitude. I have two adult sons, one who lives across the country and the other just ten minutes away. I am blessed with a wonderful DIL and two amazing grandsons. I share my home with two lovable hounds and a bossy cat.
1 comment:
I was, and still am, the same that you are/were. I have a hard time making friends, and keeping friends. I am a friendly person, with lots of love to give. I'm nt quite sure what I'm doing wrong. I know growing up we moved a lot, maybe that's why I couldn't form close relationships. Now that I'm working, I hate to make friends with people I work with. You never know...you still have to work with them if the friendship doesn't work out. So now I go to church. Maybe I'll find more friends. I tend to get along with older people. The 3 friends I do have are 10 or more years older than me.
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