Friendship is a two-way street
I have the rare privilege to have maintained a friendship since first grade. Other friends I met later, but have also remained friends with. It is odd how you can have relatives, but people who are not of the same blood line as you, can be closer. Although I am so blessed, because most of my relatives are also close friends! But this doesn’t happen by chance. Friendship is like a seedling, which need care, watering, and protection to remain healthy and strong.
The first and foremost is stay in contact, and with the new social media sites, it is easier than ever. If you have some holdouts resisting social media, use snail mail or a landline and let them know you are thinking of them. Make time for them. Notice I didn’t say take time, which as a vanishing commodity, you must plan and don’t waver from that appointed time.
Second, show you care! If they have a death in the family, attend the arrangements made for that loved one. If distance is a problem, send flowers unless it is cost prohibitive. At least send a sympathy card, and don’t just sign it, but convey to them your sincere condolences and maybe a humorous memory to lighten the mood.
Third, stay up to date! If you are not in constant contact, send pictures and updates on you and your family. It will save you both from embarrassing moments when you don’t have a clue what in the world is going on, and what they are talking about.
For some reason this duty seems to fall upon the woman’s shoulders. Last I heard they are still teaching writing and grammar to the male species, so men, sharpen those pencils and catch up!
Some friendships are made during adversity, like the military. That is a special relationship, a bond forged in a united ideal, which also needs nurturing to remain solid.
You may, due to life’s circumstances, get out of touch. But a true friend will be there for you the moment you pick up the phone or send up a smoke signal. No matter what, they will be there for you. Will you be there for them, or will you be full of excuses, and apologies?
As parents we need to teach our children to be kind to everyone, and true friendships will evolve on their own. It is important to make sure to know who they are spending their time with. You need to be vigilant about keeping your child safe, knowing if some friends will tempt your child into an unsavory world.
We as writers can expound on what a true friend is, not in words so much, as in deeds. Remember the verse: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. What kind of friend are you and are you portraying in your writings?
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
Proverbs 27:6&9
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13