On Friendship

“Maybe there aren't any such things as good friends or bad friends - maybe there are just friends, people who stand by you when you're hurt and who help you feel not so lonely. Maybe they're always worth being scared for, and hoping for, and living for. Maybe worth dying for too, if that's what has to be. No good friends. No bad friends. Only people you want, need to be with; people who build their houses in your heart.” —Stephen King, It

This is one of my favorite quotes.

Who are your friends? Who has a home in your heart? How did they get there? How long have they stayed?

My view of friendship has changed over the years.

See, I used to believe that friendship meant that whatever you liked, they liked, that your beliefs were similar, your views of the world were in sync. I felt that since I try to live by The Golden Rule. that my friends would not only do the same, but treat me exactly as I wanted to be treated. And I got easily offended when this turned out not to be true.

I have learned that is unfair and unrealistic.

How nice it is to have friends that are different from me, it gives me a chance to see life and the world from a different point of view. Oh sure, there has to be commonalities. But not everything. After all, how boring would life be if we were all alike?

I am sorry when I think of the opportunities for friendship that I missed over the years because my heart was closed, or my eyes were blind, or my attitude was bad.

I am blessed with some truly fabulous friends. They love me just as I am. And I love them, just as they are. They don’t always do things the way I would, or think they should, or wish they would. But until recently, I didn’t truly put aside that judgement in my head and appreciate with my heart. My heart is full, my life is rich, thanks to my friends. There is the friend that invited me into the group, whether I wanted in or not. There is the musician, the book lover, the observer, all who make my world a better place. I’ve got an amazing Theatre Geek and IT Geek, and a lawyer. There is even a Chiefs fan who is near and dear to my heart. I’m grateful for friends from high school, with whom I can share smiles and memories. My Mom, who is one of my best friends. My Siblings, who are beyond friends. And of course, Austin. My Best Friend.

All these people have built a place in my heart. I don’t need anything from them….well….a hug now and again is lovely….but I know without a doubt, that if I do need someone just to be with, sit in silence with, have tea with, they are there. They will stand by me, just as I would stand by them. That isn’t just enough.

It’s everything.

Peace,

Kat