Friendship

This weekend provided many incidents where I had to reflect on friendship and what it truly means to me. I've been beyond blessed and incredibly lucky with who my friends are. My friends are my everything. By nature I'm a very loyal person and would do about anything for someone who is close to me.

It takes quite a bit to lose my respect. One way to do it is to hurt one of my friends. I find it very difficult to have respect for someone that knowingly hurts other people. I can forgive, but very hesitant to give second chances.  I hope though, that I am never blinded by loyalty and wanting to protect my friend that I'm purposefully rude or withhold the possibility of reconciliation. I do believe reconciliation is a possibility if both sides are in mutual agreement and the wrong doings have been made right. It will probably never be the same, but over time wounds can heal.

Recently I've been on both sides of this. I've had to reacquaint myself with someone who hurt people I care about and I've also been the person that was hurt. I wanted so much to protect my friends from this certain individual. I wanted to be a barrier and refuse to let this individual even talk to them. However, I was surprised by the maturity and vulnerability this situation provided. We were all able to handle the situation cordially and as adults. I was so immensely proud of my friends. I was also relived by the maturity of the one who I felt was in the wrong. It definitely made me evaluate my feelings toward the situation.  Who knows if there will be reconciliation, but it's nice to know that we are able to meet and put our feelings aside for the sake of each other.

When it comes to myself, I'm less protective. I sometimes will have a skewed view over a situation and dismiss it too easily. This past weekend, it's been amazing to see the support I've had from my friends. I feel so loved that my friends are protective of me and truly hate to see any of us hurt. I realize that true friends will protect, love, and do what is best for you. Sometimes that includes them calling you out on situations or playing devils advocate so you see both sides. This helps me realize my self-worth even more.

This is my HUGE thanks for those who've always been there when I've needed them. To make me laugh, forget, pray, and get me through so many situations in life (good and bad). Obviously it's easy to be there when the times are good, but you have always been there when it gets hard. Love you so much and know that I hope to NEVER take any of you for granted.