I read this quote the other day by Alice Walker:
No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.
I guess it has been in the back of my mind. I think this can be true with most people. If you have friends that hold you back, who do not want to listen when you talk, or do not have a positive influence, well ask yourself-What is the point? Life is lonely enough!
I think friends should add a certain value in your life and a certain trust should be in place that tells you they will not bail when you need them the most. I was a little down and out this weekend-no particular reason, just typcal stress and random negative thoughts. That was the time I needed my friends.
This is the time you need support. This is the time you need someone to say, "I know how you feel, I have been there" and just listen.
There does not need to be a solution or even a suggestion. You just need to know you are not crazy and we all have bad days.
Another great quote by C.S. Lewis states:
Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You, too? Thought I was the only one."
Friends learn more about each other when listening, and realize they have felt that way before as well. This lessens the threat of their differences.
Friendship is the sharing of joy, whether physical, emotional, psychic, or intellectual. It is also a bond that deepens when times are hard. It is the friend that allows you to cry, speak your mind, and listen--not silence you. It is the friend that loves you even at your worst. It is the friend that allows you to make mistakes and is there when you bounce back and learn from these mistakes. It is the friend that knows your quirks, your flaws, and love you just the same. This is real friendship.
When you have a bad day or just an ordinary day, friends make that day better!
All of my friends out there that actually read this--I love you and thanks!!
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