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.
