What's in a friend?

If you are past the age of two I'm sure you've had friends, (outside of relatives) of all shapes, sizes, genders and backgrounds. We all have had a variety of friendships in our lives. And if you keep a friend for several years that is an accomplishment! Some of our first friends are siblings or cousins.

We've all had those mean friends or relatives (a cousin-in my case) who you learn good and bad things from. My cousin locked me in the bathroom when I was around 6-years old. He scared the poo out of me and despite that episode he has turned out to be a good guy and great dad! Jeff was always a pill and probably one of my first friends, even thought we were related! Did I mention he turned the light off when he locked me in the bathroom-that turd!

I had friends in grade school, junior high and high school who I know my parents may not have cared for. I also had friends from elementary through high school who were good influences on me as well-you live and learn! I still have two friends from school that I keep in contact with. They are both the types of friends where if we have not communicated for months or even years we pick up right were we left off when we finally do reconnect. I hope everyone has at least one person like that in their life. It's kind of cool to have that kind of relationship!

I find as I get older I am weeding the "friends" who are toxic out of my life. They are not worth the effort or worth my time. Some people just are not good for you. They do nothing but bring grief and stress to our lives. Life is too short to waste it on toxic friends, way too short. So I find myself trimming the negativity out of my life. I can't help how other people deal with life and things, or what their priorities are and such.

I'd like to think I'm a pretty patient and tolerable person. But there is a fine line where I will quit and just let it go. I've done this more lately than I ever have before. The people who make my life unhappy or miserable are not going to be part of my life any more. Yes we all do dumb things or hurt people but when it happens over and over again it is time to let them go. I've watched a friend recently put up with and take some pretty poor treatment from a "friend" of theirs. Would I put up with this from a friend-no, not any more. They continue to let this person treat them poorly and walk all over them-it's sad to watch-that's not a friend. Friends don't do that to one another. I try to treat my friends how I want to be treated....thus the trimming I've done lately.

On the flip side of life a good friend is a treasure. They take the good with the bad and listen to you bitch and cheer you on when life is going well. I have found friends in unexpected places along the way. One of my best friends right now is the the ying to my yang! She is a go getter and feisty. I like to think I'm the laid back, easy going one! But together we have been known to cook up and do some shenanigans! We have fun! We bitch to one another. And we've got each others back in tough and rough times. Together we always find some kind of humor in any given situation. Was I looking for this friendship-no. But I do value this person and all they've taught me and the fun we've had-THAT is what friends are for!

So as the saying goes, to have a friend you have to be a friend-these are very true works. And there are all kinds of friends. That's life. I just hope when the end of my life rolls around I have at least one good friend and I leave some happy and fun memories with those who I consider and am privileged enough to call friend(s).


Positive thought of the day: Thank those who you consider your friends. We often go without saying how much we appreciate and value them-tell them!!