Updated: Jan. 29, 2020
Originally Published: Sep. 16, 2017
In the past, forming friendships felt like a walk in the park—at least most of the time. Sure, there were moments of conflict, and things could get a bit complicated, but generally speaking, friendships were as effortless as strolling home from school, sharing a calculus class, or living just a few doors down in a college dorm.
I often reminisce about how uncomplicated friendships used to be. I long for days when spending time together meant simply crossing the hall or making a quick phone call to say, “I’ve got snacks, and I’m on my way over.” I miss the hours spent laughing, crying, or just chatting about nothing in particular because we had nowhere else to be. Even in silence, we understood each other completely, finishing each other’s thoughts and sharing the smallest details of our lives—like what we had for breakfast or which shade of lipstick we preferred.
Today, friendship seems to require much more effort. Instead of a quick walk with a bowl of cookie dough, we find ourselves driving for hours or booking flights just to see one another. With family duties and work commitments consuming our time, the minutes in our day dwindle away. By the time we’re ready for bed, we’re often too exhausted to wash our faces, let alone engage in a meaningful conversation. Days and weeks can slip by, filled with only text messages and social media updates, leaving us overwhelmed when we finally meet up after so long apart.
Friendships today often consist of casual acquaintances, neighbors, and parents of our children’s friends. These relationships can be enjoyable and are essential in their own way. We bond over long hours at our kids’ baseball games, share laughs during backyard happy hours, and coordinate playdates. While these connections can develop into deeper friendships, they lack the depth of a long, soul-baring conversation with a true friend.
As I age, I find myself yearning for authentic relationships. I no longer have the patience for superficial friendships. I crave connections where I can count on you as you count on me. I want to be able to show up at your door, emotional and vulnerable, seeking a comforting embrace and a space to vent without fear of judgment. I want to text you at midnight when insomnia strikes, needing help recalling the name of the actress who played Baby’s sister in Dirty Dancing. I desire a friendship where we can be our true selves—even if it means disagreeing sometimes—because we understand each other’s hearts.
What I seek are a few solid, genuine friendships—not a multitude of superficial connections. I want to know that distance doesn’t matter, whether we’re 10 minutes apart or a thousand miles away. I want friends who will stand by me in tough times, not just during the easy moments.
True friendship transcends convenience; it’s built on loyalty, trust, and the freedom to be unapologetically ourselves. It knows no boundaries—be it time, distance, or differences. Our closest friends understand our history, shaping our present and future.
So, here’s to those true friends—the ones who are willing to go the distance and weather the storms of life with us. They are the ones who remind us that even when friendship gets challenging, it makes life feel a little lighter. For more on building meaningful connections, check out this insightful article on Modern Family Blog. Additionally, for those interested in starting a family, consider exploring this at-home insemination kit as a resource. For additional information on the topic, visit this Wikipedia page.
In summary, true friendships are invaluable and endure beyond time and distance. They require effort but are worth every ounce of energy, reminding us that connection is what truly enriches our lives.