Old Friends

One wonderful thing that can be said for being our age is we've weeded through a lot of friends and acquaintances and recognize the difference. It's been a hurtful process, but really worth it.

My oldest friend is one that I've had since about fifth grade, which is pretty good considering my family moved around a lot. I'm the type of person that will be your friend forever as long as you reciprocate. (Remember the pencil and ink thing?) It took me a long time to figure out it was a waste of time to invest in one way friendships. I also learned not to take it personally. I did in my younger years but some people just don't prioritize socializing with friends. It's the few good friends, who are like treasures that make it worth it. It's worth it when you find friends who also find friends important. Here's a few thoughts on old friends that I got from a book with my updating:

• Old friends know just when to call (or text).
• Old friends don't need an excuse to drop by. (And sorry my house is a mess.)
• Old friends can be trusted with secrets. (Because they can't remember them anyway.)
• Old friends know what you're thinking even before you speak. (Can they hear the crickets chirping in my head, too?)
• Old friends aren't jealous of your successes or pleased with your failures. (This means they tolerate us.)
• Old friends don't have to ask, "What can I do to help?" They just know. (So don't be surprised when you keep receiving Preparation H Suppositories as gifts.)
• When disagreements arise, old friends don't have to be right. (Most of the time they aren't, but just let them believe what they want.)
• Old friends are like antiques, the longer you have them, the more valuable they are. (And no matter how tacky they are, we keep them because they are special to us.)
• Real friends are those who when you make a fool out of yourself, don't feel you've done a permanent job. (Amen.)
• Robert Louis Stevenson, "A friend is a gift you give yourself." (We don't treat ourselves very often, so when we do, let's make it good!)

Most of my followers I have never met but I want to let you know "It is by chance we met and by choice we became friends." Thanks for your friendship!