For a friend ..

Extracted from a book on friendship ...

All the old sayings about friendship have come to mean something special to me … because of you.

They say, “Having a friend multiplies our joys and divides our sorrows."

That’s how’s it’s been for us. Remembering the good times we’ve shared makes me smile all over again. And thinking of the times I’ve needed you to lean on reminds me how lucky I am to have you for a friend.

“The language of friendship is not words, but meanings." We’ve grown so close that sometimes we can laugh before the punchline when we share a joke. We can agree on the same opinion or come to the same decision without saying a word. And even when we disagree, we can enjoy the sparks that fly. – that’s friendship.

“A friend is someone who knows your faults and likes you just the same.” I know we’re not perfect. (at least I’m not) And it means so much to be friends with someone who knows what’s important. I’m thankful that hurt feelings never last long between us.

“There’s no better mirror than a friend.” In spite of what all those self-analysis books say, sometimes believing in yourself just isn’t enough. You need a second opinion – an opinion you trust. Then it’s great knowing we can look to each other for the reflection that says, “I believe in you .. hang in there!”:

“When a friend asks … there is no tomorrow.” I hope you never hesitate to call on me. I’m here to give you a helping hand, a pat on the back, or even, a kick in the pants! Whatever you think you need, just yell. I know I can depend on you to do the same for me.

“A real friend is the person who comes in when the rest of the world has gone out.” I hope the really tough times never happen. But whatever we face, I feel that together we can be twice as strong, twice as stubborn, and twice as smart as the rest of the world. At least one of us may be able to see the humour in the situation.

“What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other?” Caring helps.I care about your feelings, your future, your happiness, your health. I care about what you think and what you wish for. I care about who you are and who you’d like to be. And knowing you care back makes the world so much less difficult for me.

Everyone needs someone to laugh with, lean on, talk to, turn to. “A friend is a present you give yourself!! I give me …. You!”