Old Friends - The Feeling of Friendship

AKA: COMARADERIE, COMPANIONSHIP, TOGETHERNESS, SOCIABILITY,  AND LOVE 

                                                    OLD FRIENDS VS. NEW FRIENDS 
It is a wonderful thing to have faithful old friends, those that match the devotion of this puppy. How many can say that they have a friend that they walked into kindergarten with? How many can say that the 10-year-old across the street is still on the phone with you? How many can say that the 14-year-old in high school has gone through marriages and children with you? How many can say that the friend at your important jobs is still there in retirement? 

I am one of the lucky few. 

These friends have gone through fire and water with you. They are like a boomerang because even if you argue, they come back. Secrets galore and what went down on Yourstreet, USA always stays on Yourstreet, USA. They have weathered childhood, teenage years, marriages, children, work environments, sad losses of parents, divorces, careers, relocation, and retirement and still hold your hand. They understood your moods happy or not, decisions bad or good, and with no judgment stayed by your side. They know you well and are your extended siblings. THEY ARE YOUR OLD FRIENDS...

Whether you like it or not, they tell you the truth, and not always what you want to hear. But, always with your best interests at heart. Like Oscar Wilde said: "A good friend will always stab you in the front." 

​They are to be cherished, because this brand of friendship is far and few between. 

                                                                      NEW FRIENDS 

They are there for lots of good times, card games, holidays without relatives, rounds of dinners, opening up new ways of life and more interests, to bring to the table. Some of them have made the grade and will graduate to the old friend category as they are steadfast and caring. And some just fade away as there wasn't much substance to begin with, just someone to pass the time with. 

Cut them some slack, as they don't know your history. We start off on the surface and it could progress 
stages of to safe and valuable. They have potential. It takes time to qualify, as there are friends for all your life. New friends are strangers, and need time to ferment like good wine. Give it a chance, put the time in! But, do release any toxicity. 

I have been fortunate and some new friends have entered my old friend category. They were just what the doctor ordered at new times in my life. 

We go by the Girl Scout Slogan, "Make new friends but keep the old. One is Silver, the other gold." 
Good friendships are to be valued, old or new. Here's some advice: 

 
IT IS EXCEPTIONALLY CHALLENGING TO MAINTAIN 
    FRIENDS OVER A LIFETIME. 
Keep the friends who are kind, affectionate, devoted, clever, 
and always there. 
SOOOOO.....IN OTHER WORDS, 
…DON'T LOSE ME!!