I first forged a genuine friendship when I was just three years old, following my family’s move from Philadelphia to the tranquil hills of Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains. One of my earliest memories is of sprinting down our long, dusty driveway to meet my new friend, Sarah. She was a year older and the only girl among her many brothers. From that moment on, we became inseparable partners in adventure, two young girls with dark hair and ponytails, navigating the joys and challenges of life together.
Over the years, I’ve made countless friendships, transitioning through different cities, states, and even countries. I’ve experienced the ebb and flow of relationships, some blossoming into lifelong bonds while others faded away. Reflecting on nearly 37 years of friendship, here are some valuable lessons I’ve learned:
- True Friends Don’t Judge You by Appearances
Genuine friends don’t care about your looks, your home, or your car. To them, you’re always part of the “in crowd.” Whether you’re wearing trendy boots or your trusty 1995 Birkenstocks, a real friend loves you for who you are. - Friends Make the Effort to Reach Out
They take time from their busy lives to check in on you. It might not be daily or weekly, but their concern is genuine. Whether through a quick text or a brief call amidst the chaos of kids or pets, they show they care. - Friends Cheer for Your Successes
When you achieve something, your true friends will be your loudest supporters. They celebrate your victories as if they were their own, understanding that your individual talents contribute to a beautiful friendship. Together, you’re unstoppable! - Differences Can Strengthen Bonds
Disagreements are natural, and friends don’t have to see eye to eye on everything. They respect your choices and love you despite your differing opinions. This respect is foundational to deep, meaningful friendships. - Distance Cannot Diminish Real Friendship
I recently caught up with an old friend, Lisa, whom I hadn’t seen in six years. We laughed until we cried, just like we used to before life got busy with motherhood. True friendship withstands the test of time and distance. - Imperfections Are Part of Being Human
Both you and your friends will make mistakes. A true friend will express their feelings honestly and work through any issues because your relationship matters to them. They recognize that all friendships require some effort.
Throughout our lives, we encounter friends in various settings and stages. Some friendships grow with us, while others are sparked by shared interests or experiences, such as parenting. As mothers, our friendships often include our children, teaching them the values of companionship and kindness.
Ultimately, friendships should feel natural. If someone wants to connect, they will. So, cherish your friends and reach out to them—consider sending a text or making a call to express your appreciation. And to my childhood friend, Sarah, thank you for showing me what it truly means to be a friend. I hope my daughter finds someone just like you!
For more on the intricacies of friendship, check out our other blog posts, like this one on friendship lessons. And if you’re exploring options for starting a family, reputable retailers like Make-a-Mom offer high-quality at-home insemination kits. For a deeper understanding of artificial insemination, you can refer to this excellent resource on Wikipedia.
In summary, friendships are a vital part of life that enrich our experiences and teach us invaluable lessons about love, support, and understanding.
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