Tag: Friends

A tweet came through today that pointed me in the direction of a post on The New York times site. Interesting that I should be influenced by a post from New York, when I should have been tramping the streets of that city today. I’m not, and nor will I be attending the NECC conference in a couple of weeks.  Life’s been throwing me some curve balls of late and that’s why the post I’m discussing held such relevance for me.

June 15, 2009, 5:41 am

<!– — Updated: 5:41 am –>What Do Friends Mean?

Today’s idea: The rise of social media and the downturn in the economy have people thinking long and hard about the value and meaning of friends — psychologically, socially and economically. Upshot: confusion.

That was the opener.

Over the last month or so I’ve had cause to consider the meaning of friendship and the importance it holds in our lives. I’ve come to the conclusion that good friends are good friends, be they physically close or far away. And I’ve realised  that the friends I have made online who truly care about me are good friends in the true sense of the word.  

I’m not confused, as the above post suggests. I’m firmly grounded in the belief that there is good in the world and when you need it, the true nature of friendship reveals itself. That has certainly been my experience.  Surprisingly, it extends from unexpected quarters too and new friends reveal themselves.

So, my answer to the question posed? What do friends mean?

A heck of a lot. Thanks to my good friends out there. You know who you are.