True Friendship
So, I don’t have a lot of friends. At all. I admit, I have a hard time trusting & opening up. I have a few close friends that I trust with my life. I’ve known two of them about 3 yrs and the other, about 6 (?) months. Yes. I met them all at my current job. I love these women dearly. They know almost everything about my past and present and DON’T judge me or make me feel any kind of shame. They actually accept me, for me. Honestly? Most people don’t do that. I’m either too weird or too crazy or “too much”. Yes! I can be a handful! One thing about me is I am an under medicated person with ADHD - impulsive, spastic, always in motion, speaking without thinking, etc. Yes. I have made mistakes in these friendships. There has been a lot of hurtful shit said behind my back by the usual gossipers. But I’m an adult and have spoken to these friends (one in particular!) face to face or even thru text and have worked things out. The mere fact that they were willing to have a conversation with me and understand I said things that made sense to me but didn’t quite come out right.
That’s just one way I know they are gold! They are the ones who I would lay down on the tracks for. Who I would do *anything* for!
I’m really not used to it.
True friendship is often characterized by unconditional support and acceptance, even in the face of imperfections and challenges. In many lives, finding friends who truly understand and embrace our quirks and struggles can be rare and invaluable. For instance, individuals living with ADHD or other conditions might experience misunderstandings or judgments from others. However, genuine friends see beyond these and offer patience and empathy. The quote, "Your tribe is filled with the ones who see you hit bottom and stay to hold your hand until you climb back to the top of yourself again," captures this beautifully. It reminds us that true friends don’t abandon us during our lowest moments; they stand by us and help us heal and grow. In today’s fast-paced and often superficial social environments, building such meaningful relationships requires vulnerability and trust. It can be challenging to open up, especially if past experiences involved betrayal or gossip. Yet, maintaining open communication—whether face to face or through other means—is vital in resolving conflicts and strengthening bonds. True friendship thrives in an environment free of judgment, where sharing one’s authentic self is welcomed rather than criticized. It’s a rare gift to have friends who not only accept our past but also support our growth and aspirations without shame or blame. If you find yourself with a small circle of close friends, cherish those bonds deeply. Quality in friendships often outweighs quantity. Invest in conversations, honesty, and forgiveness, as these are the pillars that prevent misunderstandings from breaking your precious connections. Ultimately, authentic friendships remind us we are never alone in our struggles or successes. They motivate us to keep moving forward, knowing there are people who genuinely care for us in our "tribe." Nurturing such bonds can greatly improve emotional well-being and life satisfaction.