A thought comes fleeting through my mind today. Well, not just today, but every so often. I recall having “close” friends when I was young. Friends which I did stuff with, sleep-overs, etc. As I grew older, one would think that moving around from one military community to the other while having the opportunity to meet so many people, I would have so many friends! This has not been the case for me. I really can’t even pin-point the reason why. I am a bit shy and reserved at first, just listening in on conversations that I have been “allowed” to listen too. I may laugh, make a comment, but I notice how some people are just close to each other. They’ve probably known each other for a long time. I’m fairly attractive, so I don’t think I’m “the DUFF”. I like to have fun, play games, go out, be active, laugh, etc., but why don’t people notice me and try to know me better?
I haven’t allowed this fact to depress or sadden me. As you know, I am alone, but not lonely. However, I suppose if I think about it, having a close friend would be nice to do things with. I don’t have anyone to go to a movie or out to eat, etc. and I would like that. Sure I have close acquaintances from work. We talk about just about everything, but I tend to keep silent about things that may make them alienate themselves from me, such as, I like these types of movies, or I like bright fashions when I dress and pretty nails…I know, my friends from work happen to be ultra-conservative. That’s ok, I just keep silent about issues that may ruffle feathers. I am very accepting of others, and I like my friends just the way they are. However, we aren’t close enough to do stuff outside of the work environment.
Maybe the problem, if you will, stems from the fact that people just have not had enough time to get to know me….
So, what is best, friends or acquaintances? I think it depends on the circumstance. I take all issues on a case by case basis. One isn’t necessarily better than the other; they are both important and needed. I often pray that I continue to make improvements and that soon enough, I will have friends-who accept me, love me, and want to hang out. It’s nice to be able to call a friend and vent. (I’ve only seen this on TV, but it looks nice)
Cast your Cares 