the measure of a friend
I'm on a vacation of sorts right now, in Cambridge MA. My sweetie and I drove from Minneapolis to bring a car-full of items to our friends. These friends just moved here to go to graduate school. These friends are in my words (don't know what they would say, or what my sweetie would say) - our best couple friends. I love them dearly. They make me laugh, they are great conversationalists, they are smart, kind, generous, great cooks, and generally just awesome. In short - there is nothing in the world that I would not do for these freinds.
It got me to thinking about this word, friends. I am on FaceBook and started a MyChurch account like a million years ago. Lately I have been getting notes and messages from friends, or have gotten friend requests. It feels good, being sought out for friendship, but is that really what we are doing?
Now, don't get me wrong, I love people. Here at swandive, I have met people who I dearly care about. I like to stay connected to them, and pray for them. I like being a part of a larger community, blog land. But this friend thing, it seems to be getting out of control. Like the word love has been abused (I love chocolate, I love downy, I love my partner, I love my car...) - I fear for my use of the word friend.
Am I just being a bitch? What is the measure of a friend?
I don't know where these thoughts are leading. Maybe I am just being picky about language. I guess I never want to lose the *umph* that I feel for my friends. I love them. I don't have many, and I hold them dear.
What do you think?
You make a really good point. I am that way about the words *love* and *sorry*. They have to be backed up with actions.
A friend is someone (even over the net) that you can pour your heart out to and they are there for you.
Posted by: Mindy | 29 August 2007 at 09:07
Mindy, counted. Bless you dear one.
Posted by: swandive | 29 August 2007 at 09:16
Like Mindy I believe you are making an important point, if we cheapen the word friend to include aquaintences then we loose an essential element of friendship. Having said that I would count many folk including you as cyber-friends, but there is nothing to replace the reality and depth of true face to face friendship.
Peace and blessings Rachel- you are not a bitch!
Posted by: sally | 30 August 2007 at 05:28
I count you as a friend too, Sally. I am grateful and blessed to have met you out here. Blessings right back at cha'!
Posted by: swandive | 30 August 2007 at 07:27
I try to be precise in my language, I use acquaintance and colleague a lot. But in my classroom, I insist the kids call and act as friends.
Posted by: pattu | 30 August 2007 at 18:54
Even if they're not.
Posted by: pattu | 30 August 2007 at 18:55
And it's patti not pattu. I don't know how that happened!
Posted by: patti | 30 August 2007 at 18:55
And it's patti not pattu. I don't know how that happened!
Posted by: patti | 30 August 2007 at 18:55
And it's patti not pattu. I don't know how that happened!
Posted by: patti | 30 August 2007 at 18:55
And it's patti not pattu. I don't know how that happened!
Posted by: patti | 30 August 2007 at 18:56
And it's patti not pattu. I don't know how that happened!
Posted by: patti | 30 August 2007 at 18:56
And it's patti not pattu. I don't know how that happened!
Posted by: patti | 30 August 2007 at 18:56