True Friends

I recently found this item in my e-mail inbox. Anyone who has been reading this blog for awhile knows that I don’t make a habit of raiding my inbox for blog material, but this exploration of True Friendship deserves special attention:

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest. A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself (and doesn't feel even the least bit weird shutting your beer/Pepsi drawer with her foot!)

A simple friend has never seen you cry. A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents’ first names. A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party. A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after they’ve gone to bed. A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems. A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history. A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument. A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them. A real friend expects to always be there for you!

Are these statements an accurate description of the way you relate with your own true friends? I don't regard this list as concrete definitions, but a place to start thinking and writing. True friends are such a treasure, and they deserve special recognition in our lifestories. I hope you will find inspiration here to express your appreciation of your friends. Send your tributes to the friends you write about, and be sure future readers know about them too.

Write on,

Sharon Lippincott, aka Ritergal