Backstory – New Friends
I have this habit of twisting my hair when I’m thinking. Catching myself doing it one day, I started wondering if that annoys anyone. And out of that thought, came this story.
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New Friends – #361
Remember what it was like as a kid to make a new friend? The tentative moves toward each other and the total delight when you each found in the other, something you enjoyed and wanted to repeat.
Of course adults have many more facets than children – a lifetime of experiences… political opinions… habits and preferred behaviors.
We recently met a couple with whom we had a lot in common. We enjoyed their company except for one habit they had. We discussed whether that was a deal breaker or whether we wanted to be their friends nonetheless. We decided the latter.
So when they behave in that odd way, we just shrug and say, “That’s our friends being who they are.” Then we move on to the next fun time we enjoy with them.
Compromise? Sure. But how do we know that they are not compromising with some behavior that we exhibit. They may be kindheartedly tolerating us in the same small degree that we are them.
Another thing we learned from childhood is not to resent their having other friends. We need not do everything together or see everything in the same light. To hear an opposing view from someone we respect may just open our minds to new truths and preferences.
If their hearts are pure and we share the same values and principles, the friendship is probably worth nurturing.
P.S.
Have you made enjoy-in-person new friends through social media? Or do you find that digital friends remain in that venue?
[Show #361]
I have absolutely had online friends turn into in-person friends, albeit long distance. I hired Karen Sanderson (who lives in North Dakota) to edit some material for me. Then when she decided to have a small, informal writers’ conference at her brother’s home in Delaware, I drove up for it and met her in person — all the women who met there have stayed in touch. And a couple of years later, she came to Virginia to attend a Spiritual Writing workshop I led at Shrine Mont.
I’ve always been intrigued by the conferences you have attended and held. I can just imagine the voluptuous explosion of energy, combined spirit and imagination.
Hi Annette. I have a very nice friend who plays the same farm game as I do. She is now undergoing cancer treatments. She is a godly lady and we have a lot in common. Thank you for your message. Praying for you and your family. Hugs
I too have a new friend, Cathie. She sent me a message admiring my son in MI and all the community service he did. We have gotten to know each other as a result. Then I have a friend of 30 years who has had diagnosis of the fourth cancer riddling her body. One friend entering, one exiting. It inspired this story. God’s blessing back to you, Cathie. We miss you and Bob.