What is a Friend?

December 2016
Once again I placed too hi of expectations to a friendship and…again was disappointed. What is the obligation of a friend? Should I be suspicious when a friend always ends a conversation with, “I love you”? I always take that to mean they really mean it. Maybe it is just words to them.

My definition of a friend is: they are there for you; they support your efforts; they care about what you care about. I guess it doesn’t mean that to some people.

I recently put a lot of effort into a really good Christmas Program at our church that had a drama presentation surrounded by music of the period, which was set in 1941. It was a wonderful two-night performance and I told everyone I know about it and asked them to come to one of the performances. This one couple who, I thought, were good friends, did not even bother to come or even give an excuse.

It just baffles me to try to understand other peoples definition of ‘friendship’. I ALWAYS put myself out for a friend and support what they do or what they ask me to support. I reach out to new people in my area because I remember what it was like when I moved here and tried to ‘fit in’ to already established social groups.

A new couple we recently met at an event had just moved here so I extended invitations to a couple of events happening and they have attended. Again, my definition of friendship does not always seem to fit others definition.

I seem to find myself, in some instances, lowering my expectations of friends which makes me not want to be such a good friend either. That is just not who I am. I guess this is one of life’s bitter lessons I seem to keep repeating. How sad.

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