Assumptions and Reality

Isn't it funny...the odd-funny,not the amusing-funny...how life can change in an instant ? One minute, you're boppin' along with your friends and in the next ,the gulf between you all is wide and deep . What happened ? Didn't we all share time together ? Have meals ,confidences and shopping trips...marvelling in our shared tastes ? Time to re-examine terminology. "Friend- 1.one attached to another by esteem,respect and affection;an intimate 2. one not hostile;one not a foe ". So says Webster . "Friend" is another term bandied about rather loosely today,it seems.It joins others like "love","loyalty","honor","admiration" and a legion of terms relegated Old Fashioned unless tweaked to fit today's need for use of the proper term without the proper corresponding action . This is a fast-paced world we live in and despite the inundating conveniences and opportunities,we are,after all,rather lonely . We seek others like ourselves , not just for company , but perhaps for a bit of validation,as well. When the square peg doesn't quite fit into our template,don't we tend to put on those rose-colored glasses and talk ourselves into a Perfect Fit ?? It happens with friends and partners (another funny thing...we used to say "mates"...but with so few committing to marriage...and with so few of THEM succeeding,we slide down the scale to the non-committal "partners" ). Time to wise up and keep ones' own confidences and be wary of sharing with those unproven to deserve them. This is not permission to be cold and aloof,rather to be circumspect about your personal business. Look for the strengths in others and work well with them,as much as possible,but don't expect a kindred spirit in all you meet . True friendship can take years to develop and is precious beyond measure for its rarity.