Lessons in Friendship

  

 

“A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.”

Arnold H. Glasow

 

That is exactly the kind of friendship that Cindy and I have. I have no doubt in my heart that she will always be there for me and if I happen to be going down, she will be there to catch me. Our friendship spans 25 years and counting. We have been through numerous life changing events together and no doubt will go through many more. I am blessed to have her in my life.

 

On the other hand, Cindy and I have met many women that profess to be close friends but constantly go around gossiping about each other or they are quick to throw the other under the bus if anything goes awry. Their jealousy of each other knows no boundaries. I’m not talking about junior high girls here. These are grown women that have on and off friendships where you never know week to week if they like or hate each other. It changes with the wind.

 

“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.”

Muhammad Ali

 

Many women don’t ever find the kind of friendship that Cindy and I have. I remember back in elementary school telling my mom about a friend that loved to talk about all of our other friends. She was always making fun or spreading gossip about people. It was kind of exciting at first because, let’s face it, some of that gossip was GOOD! My mom asked me a question one day that made me stop and think, “If she’s saying all of that about her other friends, what do you think she is saying about you?” Whew, that statement made me seriously reconsider my friendship with this girl!

 

“Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.”

George Washington

 

You must BE the kind of friend that you want to have. If you are constantly going around spreading lies and rumors about others, then you will never possess the kind of friendships that you desire. What does it take to have the kind of friendship that you long for? I can tell you what I know about my friendship with Cindy. I know without a doubt that Cindy does not gossip about me nor I her. It just doesn’t happen. EVER! There is never competition between us. We are always included in each other’s lives. It’s just understood. We don’t get jealous of other friendships. We encourage each other to succeed, even if it means her success is greater than mine. We know that we were BOTH born to be great in different ways and therefore, we have been able to hold each other up where the other is weak. We may not always see eye to eye on things but we have enough love and respect for each other that we don’t make it public. And no, we don’t fight. That’s how it works for us. It’s how you treat people who you love and respect.

 

“Rare as is true love, true friendship is rarer”

Jean de La Fontaine

 

It is my prayer for all to find true friendship.