"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other's gold."
We had to sing this little ditty in a round to warm up our voices. I still remember it. It's burned in my brain.
I never really thought about the lyrics until I was a little older. I have to admit I completely agree with the first part of it. Of course you should make new friends! As often as you can. Meet new people, learn new things, expand your world. However, the second part of the tune...a little trickier. Maybe ranking your friends a la Olympic style isn't so great. But of course, don't take for granted those that have been in your life for years.
I have to admit, lately I have been a not so great friend. Or least felt that way. I have been completely preoccupied with a new relationship. Yes we are in the honeymoon phase and most people shrug that off but I feel guilty about it. Although I love my G-Man and spending time with him, I have had no time for the other loves of my life - my friends.
It's really hard for me to be on this side of the fence this time because for most of my life I've been the third wheel. The single friend. The one that experiences 'absent friend syndrome', not the one causing it. It's probably extra strange for my friends to not have me out and about because I am ALWAYS the party-goer. You want to do something? Name it. I'm there. It might be hard for my friends to get used to this side of me because they've never had to. A couple of buddies asked what I've been doing and why I haven't been around. Honestly, I'm busier than ever. I have been out. I have been doing things. I'm not locked away somewhere. I swear! Making room in your life for not only your friends and events, but his friends and events is hard! There is only so much you can do.
I read an article some time ago that said when you enter a new relationship you will lose 2 friends. That is the most depressing thing I have ever heard. Yes, inevitably there will be changes. There may be less days and nights spent dissecting a love interests' texts or hanging out at the beach. You won't exactly be out on the prowl with your single girl friends. But I never say no to a couple drinks with friends. Or a free drink for that matter. I'll take that. Thank you. The thought of losing a friend simply because you are no longer a single seems ridiculous.
I'd like to think that my friendships are strong enough to last a little MIA. It won't last forever. I've had to go through with it with the majority of my friends. You know they're a good friend when you pick up right where you left off. And even if you haven't seen them in a few weeks, they will be there when you need someone's shoulder to cry on or rant about something stupid he said or did. Golden friends stay golden.
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| I couldn't have said it better. |
