Friendship – so complex!

Friendship is so amazing. All relationships would flourish if only we are also friends with each other apart from being spouses, relatives and children. Yet, friendship is also so baffling. We have different friends – some we rely upon, we know they would be there for us when we need them. We can bank on them for sound advice without prejudice or judgement. We are emotionally dependent on these friends. Then there are those we have known for ages. We have grown together, seen each other change and evolve and even though we might not be in touch with them, it is easy to pick up the pieces and communicate. Somehow, one feels that the passage of time has not dented one’s relationship with one another. There is another set with whom one gels more or less. One does not share too much emotionally but one loves to discuss art, music, politics and those kind of things with them. There are some who are so easy to get along with, to laugh and joke and share; one feels so comfortable with them despite knowing them for a very short period of time. There are those who are rock solid and reliable. Some who are mere acquaintances and just a part of a group of friends one has.

I can think of friends I can put in all these categories. I cherish all of them for their qualities. I of course, rely the most on the trustworthy kind and love to spend the most time with the easy-to-get-along humorous ones. I take my friends and friendships seriously. I can objectively say that I make a great friend – trustworthy and caring. I love people to be sensitive and sentimental, strong and positive, having a great sense of humor and intelligence – not necessarily all qualities in one person but a good mix of these. I find it the most difficult to deal with the extremely touchy ones and the extremely ill-mannered or rude ones. And, yes, possessiveness is another drain.

Hope the close ones continue to stay friends. I have lost a few close ones during the years. One learns and evolves and misses those lost but one also makes new ones and the life goes on.