Recently I was watching the
CBS Sunday Morning show and they had a segment on about Friends. The segment profiled
several groups of friends and their relationships. It also discussed a study
that suggested that friendship is something we need for the betterment of our
health and our lives in general. In situations where persons were alone and had
to face a challenge, it was harder for them to do alone. However, when they had
a friend with them, they were able handle it better.
I believe this to be true.
Friendship is a precious thing. We often use the term loosely and sometimes I
do too, but I do recognize that there are certain people who are true
friends. I have made a collage of some of
my good friends, not all of course (I could only use so many pics lol) and did not include any family members although they are good friends too. These are people who have
been there and supported me long term but especially this last year. Whether I
talked to them on the phone, facebook, email, text, or hung out with them, they
have added such value to my life. If you do not have people you consider genuine
friends, you may need to look at yourself and ask why. Have you been a good friend? Are you a
jealous person or are you genuinely happy for others? Are you someone others
can count on? Are you an encourager or do you discourage? Are you a taker or a giver? Do you display
positive characteristics or negative ones? I can go on but you get the
idea. If your responses fall on the
negative side, then you are not the friend you think you are, but you can
change to be the friend you would want others to be to you. We all need support
and encouragement and having people in your corner rooting for you, celebrating
with you, praying for you, supporting you in times of sadness or sorrow etc. is
a true blessing.
Friendships can be hard and
sometimes they do not last. The thing with friends is that relationships are
not always perfect. You may have disagreements and your friend may do things
that you do not agree with but genuine friendships can withstand those
situations. However, sometimes no matter how hard you try, some people are not
interested in being your friend and you have to recognize that. Sometimes if you
see yourself as the one always trying to maintain the friendship and always the
giver in the relationship, it may be that the friendship has run its course.
I had this conversation with
one of my best friends Kennedy just recently. I have known him since I was 15.
We both have moved over the years and me more times than most. He is not even on Facebook, but we have been
able to maintain our friendship. We may not talk all the time but for years we get
together over Christmas break and any other time we are in town at the same
time to catch up. I told him he needs to be on Facebook so he can connect with
old friends. He said there’s no need because he has maintained his friendships.
He is right and though I am not giving up Facebook, people make an effort with
those they want to maintain friendships with. I hope I have been a good friend.
I know I am not perfect and always striving to be better but I am just glad I
have these people who are in my corner and I will be in theirs.
So people go forth and be a
good friend. Be true to yourself and those around you. Enjoy your friends for they
make life fun.
Check out the Sunday Morning
segment here:
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