Friends

I have been thinking recently about friendships and how they change with time. Some people in my life are what I think of as "casual" friends. That does not mean that they don't have an important place in my life, but they may not "always" be part of it. They are the co-workers, the acquaintances, the neighbors, etc. that we call "friends". These people are the ones that I might do superficial things with: going out to lunch, to the movies, out on the town, to the gym, on a bike ride, or meet for a beer to watch the game. They are there to help me have fun and enjoy life. They usually don't require much effort or maintenance.

Then there is that special group of individuals, the lifelong friends, that make up the canvass of my life...actually they are more importantly the paint on the canvass of my life. I do the same fun things with this group. But, I also comfort them when they lose a loved one, encourage them in times of trouble, cheer them on with each success and turn to them in times of need. They may not be with me every day. But, I can't imagine a time when they won't be here with and for me. These are the members of my family that I have chosen for myself.

So why then does it often seem easier for me to tell my "casual" friends that I appreciate them, respect them and enjoy their company than my lifelong friends. I started this out by thinking about how friendships change. Now that I've pondered this topic a bit, it occurs to me that some of my dearest friends started out in that "casual" category. I really should get back to telling them how much I value them in my life....