You make excellent points with this story. I have asked myself the same question you have about being a true friend. I have found myself feeling the same way you do. I have started to do two things, that are actually really hard, I haven't succeeded yet but am getting batter.
1. Listen more than talk.
2. Only talk when my words add true value to the conversation. [NO GOSSIP]
One of the big things that make a true friend is someone who can share in your success without being jealous.
Good thoughts on friendships, here. ...On self-centeredness, I think we're born with this trait and it takes a lot of training to tamp it down. When we're getting older, we get tired of keeping it at bay. There has to be a more important reason, perhaps, for senior citizens to be less self-centered than simply trying to fit better into society's expectations.
All good points. Trying to remember it is who I am that I am bringing to a friendship, not so much what I say or do. And it is a dance between the two of us.
I also noticed that "Old age friendship" is different!
The self-centeredness at the old age is similar, I think, to the self-centeredness of children, like them old people long to survive despite the limitation of abilities. Unfortunately we are not as cute and our faculties start to fail rather than develop, Ha, Ha!
The best we can give our friends is the enjoyment of being in their company and it really does not matter much what they say or what we say because the worst thing of the old age is loneliness.
Amen! Thank you! So beautifully written Sharron, as well as the comments I can agree with All Unfortunately I lost that one true friend 11 years ago, though she will always be a part of me.
Beautifully written, Sharron. I’ve always been a good listener, but I know I can do a better job of staying in touch with my closest friends. I’m trying to make a conscious effort!
The True Friend
The true friend is one of the best things in life
You make excellent points with this story. I have asked myself the same question you have about being a true friend. I have found myself feeling the same way you do. I have started to do two things, that are actually really hard, I haven't succeeded yet but am getting batter.
1. Listen more than talk.
2. Only talk when my words add true value to the conversation. [NO GOSSIP]
One of the big things that make a true friend is someone who can share in your success without being jealous.
Thanks for making me think.
Good thoughts on friendships, here. ...On self-centeredness, I think we're born with this trait and it takes a lot of training to tamp it down. When we're getting older, we get tired of keeping it at bay. There has to be a more important reason, perhaps, for senior citizens to be less self-centered than simply trying to fit better into society's expectations.
Provocative, heartfelt, profound, timely. Thank you.
Thank you Sharron!!
Always inspiring, thought provoking, loving, kind, helpful.
I send you much love,
Cathy
All good points. Trying to remember it is who I am that I am bringing to a friendship, not so much what I say or do. And it is a dance between the two of us.
For me, that is the question - am I being a true friend? I'd like to think so, but then again, I could do better.
Sharron, I enjoyed your essay!
I also noticed that "Old age friendship" is different!
The self-centeredness at the old age is similar, I think, to the self-centeredness of children, like them old people long to survive despite the limitation of abilities. Unfortunately we are not as cute and our faculties start to fail rather than develop, Ha, Ha!
The best we can give our friends is the enjoyment of being in their company and it really does not matter much what they say or what we say because the worst thing of the old age is loneliness.
Your lace friend,
A.
Amen! Thank you! So beautifully written Sharron, as well as the comments I can agree with All Unfortunately I lost that one true friend 11 years ago, though she will always be a part of me.
Beautifully written, Sharron. I’ve always been a good listener, but I know I can do a better job of staying in touch with my closest friends. I’m trying to make a conscious effort!