Better late than never.
Tonight I'm thinking a lot about friendship. So here is a little friendship test that I created based on recent events (the bodies in the final example are metaphorical):
The dog test:
An acquaintance might pet your dog and call it cute.
A friend will watch your dog while you are away.
A Great Friend will drive 18 hours to pick up your dog and keep it for 2 and a half weeks and not think twice about the inconvenience.
The exercise test:
An acquaintance will give encouragement when you announce you are planning to train for a 1/2 marathon.
A friend might agree to run it with you for fun.
A Great Friend stays by you step for step for 13.1 miles and never lets you quit.
The test of time:
Acquaintances will give you time to say hello or chat about life for a few minutes.
A friend will spend time with you, hanging out, talking, or sharing treats.
A Great Friend will spend hours brainstorming a novel that may never see the light of day just because you're excited by the idea.
The secret test:
An acquaintance doesn't know or care about your secrets.
A friend will understand and love you in spite of your secrets.
A Great Friend helps you bury the bodies.
So thanks to all my Great Friends and all the times you've laughed at and with me, cried for and because of me, been silly and serious with me and for inspiring me to be a better person.
Great examples Donna! The other great thing about friends is there is always an opportunity to make more. All three levels are good to have around.
ReplyDeleteHaha! So how many bodies do you have in your backyard?...Never mind. I don't want to know.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Linda. It's good to have all three around because they all serve a purpose. Sometimes I need someone who really gets me; who I don't have to explain my life to. Other times, I just want someone I can chill with who doesn't know all my secrets. :)
Yes, making new friends is always fun. Speaking of new friends, welcome to our new followers!! Please feel free to jump in with comments.
ReplyDeleteSo what if I'm more than happy to bury bodies, but the thought of running 13.1 miles just after lunch makes me ill?
ReplyDeleteKirk, you always win because you have zombie ninjas that you are willing to lend out. :) That puts you in a class all your own.
ReplyDeleteI would just call you a wuss. :)
ReplyDeleteThe secret test items sound like an amazing back cover blurb for a book.
ReplyDeleteHey, Valerie, nice to hear from you. Feel free to run with a story on the secret test for friendship. I know a few people who would read that book. I like my bury bodies metaphorical. Dan Well's books are about as "thriller" as my library gets.
ReplyDelete