Today, I found myself in tears—unexpectedly, yet somehow, it made perfect sense.
I had been reflecting on an essay about friendship, and with each word I read, emotions began to swell within me. Eventually, I had to stop reading, bury my face in my hands, and let the tears flow. Life can hit you hard with its complexity, beauty, and fragility, and sometimes it all becomes overwhelming. Recently, I experienced one of those moments, where the weight of life’s fullness becomes too much to bear, only to be released in tears.
After a weekend spent with old friends—some near and others far—I felt a curious mix of fulfillment and emptiness. Grateful for the cherished friendships that have withstood the passage of time and distance, yet longing for more connection. The clock seems to tick too quickly when you’re with those you love.
Much of my weeping was born from joy—grateful tears for friendships that have survived decades of life’s ups and downs. These relationships persist through misunderstandings, reconciliations, and even physical distance, thriving on brief texts and social media messages. It’s remarkable how these bonds can strengthen despite the miles that separate us.
However, there were also tears of sadness and loneliness, stemming from a selfish desire for deeper connections. I crave more spontaneous times together, where we can share comfortable silence after having said it all. I want to be able to say, “I’m on my way—let’s grab some pizza!” I yearn to know the little details of daily life—their favorite coffee spots, the clutter in their car, or their kids’ school names. These are the nuances of friendship that flourish through shared experiences rather than planned conversations.
Is that too much to ask? Perhaps it’s a universal desire. At our core, we all seek to be seen, heard, and understood. Friendship provides that—an avenue to connect, comprehend, and support one another. Though we might not always share the same views or life paths, those differences only enhance our connections. There’s something truly magical about surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, reminding you that you are more than enough just as you are.
Yet, like any meaningful relationship, friendships can be challenging. Finding time for one another can be difficult, as can navigating our differences and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. Friendships encapsulate the fullness, chaos, beauty, difficulty, fragility, and wonder of life itself.
That’s why, from time to time, I find myself with my head in my hands, crying. But then, I pick up my phone and text a friend: “I miss you.” In return, I receive a goofy photo and a heartfelt “I miss you too.” Even across vast distances, we share a smile, knowing that while our friendships may not encompass everything we desire, they remain deeply fulfilling.
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In summary, friendships may not always meet our lofty expectations, but they can still provide more than enough joy and support. Embracing these relationships, with all their complexities, can lead to a life filled with gratitude and fulfillment.
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