ONE mark of a good friendship is reliability — knowing you can depend on each other no matter what. There are friends we hardly see because of distance or conflicting schedules. But when we do make the time to sit down with them, it feels like we just saw them yesterday. The conversations flow smoothly after “how are you’s” are exchanged. There is no hint of awkwardness despite not seeing each other face to face in ages. Have you ever felt this way? That when you meet up, BOOM!, you are reminded of why you clicked so well in the first place.
Sometimes I take this for granted. I think, know and feel that my truest of friends will be there for me no matter what. I understand that they’re immensely busy with their own lives, as I am with mine, so meet-ups get rarer. At the back of our minds, we all know that when we need each other, we’ll be there. No doubt about that.
But why wait for that time of need? Pick up your phone and give that friend a call. Make those “how are you’s” more frequent, even if it’s just over the phone, or a quick e-mail. A 5-minute chat or a 5-minute e-mail is a fast but thoughtful way to keep each other feeling extra cared for within this already special bond of yours.
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” one quote says. But another also goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.” While the truest of friendships takes less maintenance than others, it needs the most nurturing.
April 16th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
can a person who doesn’t blog be friends with bloggers?
April 15th, 2008 at 10:02 am
the husband: Aww, thanks. I’ve been really busy but am back now! “Different friends have different needs.” Ah, yes. Well put. I couldn’t agree more.
Marie L: Yes. Not all blog friends can be your friends in real life though. But I’ve personally experienced building wonderful friendships with some bloggers. A lot is dependent on chemistry, kinship. I’ve met some who I know I will be friends with forever. I cherish them dearly!
Junnie : I’m well, Junnie. Bogged down with pharyngitis at present, but am doing well overall. I did read about your Manila trip! Maybe we’ll meet up another time. No worries, friend. *hugs*
midnight : Aye aye.
April 15th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Missed your posts! I have friends that I rarely see, but when we do, it feels like we were together yesterday. Some, though, need a lot of “nurturing” (read: constant communication). Different friends have different needs.
April 14th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
There are just hundreds of tips going around how to keep in touch with friends. I still prefer to have them on the phone, Skyping and chatting. I have a feeling some of my associates and “friends” think I am earning money from them when they click on my blogs or join my social networking so they refuse to be be active in clicking and sending comments as they see all those ads in my site. In this age of clicking and getting high internet presence does one have chance to develop real friendship? Can bloggers be real friends?
April 14th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Toni, how are you? missed meeting with you when i was on a whirlwind trip to manila