Reverb10:
Friendship. How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?
My, oh my, have I learned so much about friendship and myself this year!
I’ve made some new, wonderful friends, (lots of whom I’ve met online- one of which I met in person this year, and I LOVE Her!) and from them I’ve learned that I can be myself. That just being me is enough. I would never have thought in a million years that I could have a network of virtual friends across the nation who I feel a kinship and sisterhood with- I can’t wait to meet them all in person! There’s Meg and Thea and Danielle, as well as Holly mentioned above-to name a few. Don’t think I haven’t made some new friends in real life as well- because I certainly have and I’m very grateful for those people.
And then there was the blow-up. That really was coming sooner or later and it was something I should have ended on my own, sooner- an entire year sooner, because let’s face it. Friends aren’t supposed to tear you down. But for some masochistic reason, I thought I needed that person in my life, so I didn’t end it when I should have.
Friends are supposed to love and support you and be there for you.
Friends are supposed to encourage you when you’re down and love you no matter what. No matter if your goals change or you go separate places. Miles and dreams don’t change the friendship if it’s real.
If you change, and they can’t handle it then a friendship should be over. But if they’re truly your friend and you change for the good, become happier, more fulfilled, more successful than you once were then they should revel in that with you- not tear you down because they are jealous, vindictive or just plain mean.
What I’ve learned the most about friendship in 2010 is that anyone I let into my life should add to it, not take away from it. If they can’t or don’t make my life better, and encourage me as a person in my goals and dreams, then they have no place in my life. If anything, life is too short to spend it with people who don’t want you to be your happiest.
Have you leaned something from friends or about your friends in 2010? I’d love to know!
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Ida Wanna says
Amen sista. Nobody needs people who want to bring them down. Those who just want to bring you down are only jealous of your successes. Who needs them? I DON’T!
Erica Beck says
So true! Letting go of friendships is hard for me, but I’ve learned the same lesson. People change, they move in different directions, and sometimes those directions just aren’t compatible anymore. Great post!
Meg says
xoxo! SO APPRECIATE OUR FRIENDSHIP!!!
Thea says
Awe! I feel super awesome special to be among your tweeps 🙂 Right back atcha and here’s to a real life meet up some day SOON!