Identity and Relationships
Since SOBCon, a lot of conversation has gone about friendship and what it means. Many words and phrases have been used to describe it.
As you read this, I’ll already be on a plane on my way to New York, where I’ll meet friends again — three already in my heart (two I’ve met, one I have not yet); two I’ve talked to on the phone; one I hardly know; and some I’ve not imagined. I’ll miss them all when I head home again.
With those thoughts in my head and my heart, I’m moved to write about how to recognize a friend when you have the luck to meet one.
Friendship isn’t hard to spot.
It’s an action, a feeling, a way of being all at once.
It’s a perception and a reality that is exchanged without speaking.
It’s the comfortable white space between the words in conversation.
It’s the smile in the eyes of someone that says, “We just met, but I know who you are.”
It’s that “come out and play” kind of feeling.
You can recognize a friend, because no matter what happens, with that person you are someone you want to be.
You are right in every word you say. Sometime it only takes a minute to make a great friend, sometimes more.
What I would like to add is this: a friend is that person who knows to forgive at times. Because, imperfect as we are, such times will come 🙂
Have a safe flight and a wonderful time with your friends 🙂
“You can recognize a friend, because no matter what happens, with that person you are someone you want to be.”
Wonderfully written!
A friend not only knows when to forgive you (as Alina wrote) they care enough to tell you when you are doing something that is hurting yourself or others. A real friend is willing to take the risk of losing you in order to tell you something you may not like to hear.
“Bad times and good.”
I’d say a lot of us made a lot of friends last month. I didn’t necessarily expect to “make any friends” in Chicago because of my personality and as my counselor put it “my hatred of humankind,” /nervous laugh. I don’t think anyone caught wind of that Jesse at the conference. What they all saw was the Jesse that I/he (now I’m confused) want to be.
I’m slowly becoming more extraverted and (gasp) successful, thanks to my new wife, friends, and family.
Hi Alina!
I see you must have met some of my friends, because they sounds just like your own. 🙂
Mine and yours are both generous about their forgiveness. That’s why I feel great when I am with them.
Hi Ms. Q!
Great to see you!
A real friend is exactly as your describe authentic and caring enough to risk in order to let you have the truth. I agree. 🙂
Hey Jesse!
What a fabulous comment and so from the heart. Oh Jesse, I’m filled up with gladness that friends and you are discovering in each other a place to meet.
Friends are a meeting of the heart and mind.. not just of place. Have a great time in NY…. where I was raised as a young ‘un 🙂
GP in Montana
Morning Liz
Recognising a friend is a warm feeling, deep down in the pit of your stomach (strange place for a heart? 😉 ). A feeling of trust, joy, gratefulness even.
A friend is something you have to cherish, you have to give – not just take – to keep the friendship shining like a gem.
Friends are what makes your world go round 😉
Karin H. (Keep It simple Sweetheart, specially in business)
hey Liz!
wow.. are you in NYC? I stayed there at Best Western, Sheffields a long, long time ago… just around Terminator 2 time, I think…. I loved the city and still do!
Sorry …. no comments about friendship. Don’t dare to make any.
Hope you have a safe and wonderful trip, my friend!
Hey GP, I’m thinking of you, friend, while I’m here in NYC. 🙂
Hi Karin, It’s a new morning, but that feelings of friendships that you wrote are still so true and still so powerful. Thank you for extending the conversation
Yep, Zackman, here I am in NYC going to a conference and meeting up with other blogger friends. 🙂
Thanks Marti. You are friend of my heart — you know that. 🙂
So very true! Great Post!