In Praise of Simple Friendships

Today I want to thank all those people who I like better and better the more I get to know them.

Why? Because this is special. This is a blessing. This is uplifting and encouraging.

And it’s an effective antidote to those people whom you like less and less with each passing interaction.

These relationships are a drag. They are a drain. They make you doubt your ability to judge character and make good choices for yourself.

I don’t know about you, but the older I get, the less time I want to spend around people who just wear me out with their crap. And please, if I’m a person who wears you out with my crap—let me go. I want you to. Seriously. I don’t care to complicate your life with confusion and petty disagreements and general unpleasantness. (Disclaimer: This offer not good for those related to me by blood or marriage. You are stuck. Suck it up.)

But for all others, I invite you. Stop taking my calls. Don’t respond to my emails. I’ll get the message.

Because life is just too damn short, people. Relationships are hard, but they don’t have to hurt.

So call me selfish or call me immature or call me whatever. Except, please… don’t call me if you plan on being a pain in my ass. I don’t need it.

Which is why today I want to give a shout out to all my peeps who aren’t into the drama. Who can be honest but polite. Who are slow to anger and slow to take offense. Who like to laugh. Who don’t take themselves too seriously. Who are mature. Who understand boundaries. Who can say “I’m sorry” but rarely have the need. Who can say "Let's agree to disagree" and mean it. Who don't keep count. Who won’t encourage me to bad mouth my husband. Who pray for me. Who know my shortcomings but don’t hold them against me. Who can forgive. Who can compromise. Who care more about relationship than winning. Who genuinely enjoy my company. Who can be kind.

I am trying to be these things for you, and I thank you for being these things for me.

XOXOXOXO.