I was spending time with a good friend this weekend and she commented to me about how I have not blogged in a bit...I am just amazed that people read this,so this one is for you Ro...
Having had a recent surgery and being in bed for a few weeks has allowed me to reflect a bit on many things. I have been thinking about friendships lately. How and why we are friends with people, how much we let them into our lives and how much we are let into theirs. What connects us with others? Why do we pursue friendships? For convenience or fun? Because of history or habit? Why do we let friendships fade? Yup, lots going on upstairs these weeks (between the narcotic post op fog.)
I know that I can be a bit of an intense friend. Having had so many years of therapy (probably to be discussed at a later date) and practicing as a psych nurse, then nurse practitioner - I have a language that can scare others away. I always have an opinion. I love helping others and figuring out problems, offering advice. I am now learning that not everyone wants that advice when you give it (even if they ask for it)and I can be taken the wrong way. "Don't pull that psych @#$@ with me" "Uppity" "Know it All" "Think your so great". I have heard it all. I am now careful with what I say to others as I have lost some friends. Some have stuck around. Take me or leave me. This is me.
So, I have a handle on me, but at times I am surprised by others. Throughout my life I have met some great people. People that I enjoy spending time with. Sometimes, as the friendship continues on I have found that some friends just don't share the core beliefs I hold very dear. Caring for your community. Human rights. Women's rights. Caring for your neighbor. Acts of kindness. I have to say, at times I am shocked. How can they not agree with me? How can we differ on such important issues? What I have been trying to figure out is how do I continue a friendship when those commonalities are lacking? This is my attempt.
Back to my friend I met with this weekend. We were having this discussion over drinks, then when she drove me home she came in for a cup of tea. Approaching the counter she saw a chocolate bunny. "Hollow Milk Chocolate" she said, "that is the name of your next blog."
It is true. I like hollow milk chocolate bunnies, they taste good, we have a good time together once in a while. The solid milk chocolate ones are a bit more sustaining. Last longer. But what I yearn for. My favorite. Is the Lindt solid dark chocolate truffles. I melt over them. I enjoy them throughout the year. I can always access them. They are there when I need them in a beautiful loving complete way. I often think about them and they are usually with me. Yes, dark chocolate truffles, you know who you are....
Yum!
