What qualities in a friendship make it last?
I've been thinking about that a lot this week because my best girlfriend since fourth grade, Marianne, came to visit. We've been hanging out since 1986, people. Twenty three years! It was so fun introducing her as my friend from elementary school and seeing the different reactions. I take it not many people keep in touch with friends from way back then.
Here are some of the reasons why our friendship has been so close for so long:
*When we talk, we know that the other person is willing to listen. So we end up sharing every little detail. Which can lead to hours-long phone conversations. But it's so much fun! (Thank goodness for Vonage's free long distance.)
Senior portraits 1995*She has forgiven me for dogging her for boyfriends back in the day.
*She knows all my dirty laundry and loves me anyway.
*We still have a lot of similarities, but can also enjoy and learn from our differences.
Photo booth circa 1993*We can laugh together. And cry together. (OK, I don't really cry much, but if I did, I know I could cry in front of Marianne and not feel like a dork.)
*We've gone through so many nerdy phases together and yet could still see the inner beauty hiding in there.
Jr. High Graduation 1991Monika, Marianne, Me
*We've visited each other all across the country. She has come to see me in UT, NV, and NC. I visited her in MS and will stop by her place in KS this summer.
When did we grow up?Out to dinner NC 2009
It has taken time and effort to keep our friendship up over all this time, but it's so wonderful to have a friend who knows me so well.
What have been the keys to your lasting friendships?
11 comments:
Oh, I love this post!!
I can't imagine my life without my friends (local and far-flung). I know that we have talked about this before, and I think that you are right...not too many people can claim life-long friends.
I am so lucky in that regard, still maintaining VERY close friendships with three of my high school pals (for that matter two of the three I have known since I was a teeny kid...we grew up on the same street). We talk on the phone frequently & I visit at least once a year.
And I have Barb. We met in 1997 but have been separated by 3000 miles since 2001. But we still talk on the phone almost weekly and manage a visit almost every year.
Besides the obvious (friendships need time and attention), I think that it helps to be a low-maintenance friend. Please, no pouting over every little thing!! Everybody drops the ball once in a while.
Oh Andrea! I'm laughing and loving this post! The pictures alone bring back so many memories. ha ha! But I love the new picture of you girls. You both look great! Glad you are still in touch
If you're ever in a jam, here I am
If you're ever in a mess, S.O.S.
And if it happens that you ever
land in jail, I'm your bail.
It's friendship, friendship,
Just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships are
soon forgot,
Ours will still be hotl
You can sing the rest of it by yourself, or check out Judy Garland's recording.
Loved the retro pics, babe. It cracks me up to listen to the two of you talk on the phone. The two of you have more laughing and "SHUT UP!"'s in one night that I have all year on the phone.
Love looking at those hilarious pictures! It is nice to have friends that last that long and longer!
Oh, old friends! And oh, 80s hair! Great post. And it doesn't seem right that kids don't have to rely on those mall photo-booth thingies anymore. ("In my day . . ."). Cell phone cameras. Pshh. Where's the charm in that??
That's so cool. I wish I knew what some of my old friends are up to.
i like your sleeves, they are really puffy.....hehe
Aren't blogs one of the best ways to stay in touch? I know more about Heather Normal now than I did when I was 8. I wish all my friends had blogs and were as diligent with their posts as you are.
Love the 8th grade graduation pic. Your dresses are lovely! That's so cool that you guys are still great friends.
Those were some groovy puffed sleeves....ok this post is making me cry. Where you never cry, I can cry at the drop of a hat....or over a comercial...or reading a blog post...you name it! Opposites attract right?
I had such a great time visiting....even when daring to try the shrimp! Thanks for everything....your friendship has meant more to me over the years than I can express! Here's to 23+ years...you know, in 23 years when we'll be at our 39th birthday!!!
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