“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”

William Shakespeare

Well, thanks Bill but I don’t think it’s quite so nice and tidy. I’m not sure I have the talent or capacity for friendship. Friends are supposed to be those people that mirror our own character. People are supposed to be drawn together with common interests, history and common values. Please allow me to disagree.

I have been sitting here for weeks waiting for my friends to visit. I’ve thought long and hard. My friends are an odd lot. They are all around different. Let’s discuss.

I’ve had some moments of lapsed judgment in the friendship game. When I worked at the courthouse I befriended Miss Demeanor. I can’t be mad at her, she’s, um, indisposed…..for 5-10 years. Miss Adventure is off traveling. We met at the bookstore looking at travel and self help books. Maybe I should have bought a few travel books.  Miss Informed is off studying. She’s getting her umpteenth degree. We met at a grad school open house. I fell asleep. She’s studying in London. Miss Communicated has never understood anything I’ve said, not even when she was my boss. It’s like I’m speaking a different language. I told her I was home and she thought I said I was in Rome. Miss Shapen is off at the gym. She’s won’t miss a work out. We used to walk around the neighborhood. Well, I followed her around the neighborhood.  If I want to see her I have to get off the couch. Not happening this week. My oldest friend is my cousin, Miss Judge. She is an “ABC” kind of gal: assess, blame and criticize. It’s, apparently, my fault for having arthritis and needing surgery at a time that wasn’t good for her. Oh to be perfect!

All my friends will come around eventually. They are all good people who just are busy. I haven’t always been there for them, either. But when we do get together, it’s like no time has lapsed. Like Nietzsche said, “Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes”.

There are countless other friends, who are busy. So I will read my books and hang out with my book friends. I’ll search for the perfect item to knit my friends, dreaming of their gracious reactions. James Taylor will continue to sing to me and my new bestie, the UPS driver, will always stop by for a visit and bring me presents!