Wednesday, January 14, 2009

All You Need is Love, Love is All You Need.



2009 is a great year so far. It's just been fun and full of good company. I've been so busy the past few weeks it's crazy. Not just with the sweet, wonderful new boyfriend, but also with lots of friends. I don't know why I didn't feel like I had good friends in Atlanta. I have great friends in Atlanta.

Last fall was interesting for me. I pulled away from most people because I just needed to deal with everything on my own. I do that, whether it's healthy or helpful, it's part of who I am. There were friends that pushed through the barriers I set up. People who called or emailed relentlessly despite the fact that I took days or even weeks to respond. Those were people who knew what I was doing but regardless they pushed my boundaries to let them in.

There were people that dropped back and let me have my alone time. They also knew what I was doing and why. There were friends I barely talked to for 2-3 months, but who completely understood and loved me anyway. I was grateful for the space and for the understanding, and we're close again now as though there was never a beat skipped.

I also had a few problems, though, with people who I don't think understood or well, the truth is I guess I don't understand the problems and probably never will. I know that there were a couple of friends who expected me to lean on them more than I did and resent me for it still. I think they took it personally when it really had nothing to do with them and everything to do with me. One friend I did talk to frequently interpreted that as me coming onto him. I haven't heard from him in awhile, and I wonder if that's why. And yet another who I tried to lean on, but every time, he made a move because he thought by asking for his friendship, I was saying I was open to something more. That one I don't talk to much now.

Early on, soon after my grandfather passed, someone told me that through the experience, I would learn who my real friends are. I think that's true to an extent, but I would phrase it a little differently. I learned who the people are who really, truly know me. And who love me. That was not something I expected out of the grieving experience. My friends do really know me, though, and looking back, I'm grateful for the friendships that withstood all the strain and the ones that deepened because of it.

The night that I drove home praying I would arrive before he passed, I had 6 hours in the car alone. I tried to call a few friends, sent texts to one or two others, but had a two hour long conversation with one friend. This friend and I had a hiccup in our friendship about a year prior, a big hiccup that we had talked our way through and worked through, but one that left both of us a little cautious. In my moment of need, I don't think there would have been anyone better to talk to. So while other friends didn't answer or weren't around, the one I did talk to that night was the person I was meant to. And we are so much closer now because of it.

The biggest lessons (if lesson is the right word) I learned in the past few months are how important the people in my life are and how important it is to form true and deep relationships. I don't want to waste time trying to force friendships or being the only one keeping the friendship going. I've spent way too much time doing that in my life. I want to foster and nurture the friendships I have. I want to always show the love and support for my friends that they gave to me in these past few months.

The only thing that matters in life is love, true love. It's easy to say, it's catchy, it might even be a Beatles song, but there's very real, core-shaking truth to that statement. I am absolutely nothing without the people I share my life with. And if those people don't truly know and understand me, what friendship or love we have cannot withstand a test. Life is only worth living if we love and are loved in return. And to not thank God every single day for the love overflowing in my life would be a disgrace.

10 comments:

Just M said...

Hooray for new love!

I was singing that Beatles song yesterday and my husband said "I love that song." WHO KNEW?

I'm glad to see that things are falling into place for you.

I did not say HI to DC for you, I was too busy yelling at pedestrians and stupid people.

Anonymous said...

I 100% agree with everything you've said in this post.
Glad things seem to be getting better xx

Mrs. Match said...

Ahhh, love! As they said in Princess Bride, Wuv, Twue Wuv, will follow you foweva." :-) It's great to hear that you're happy. I love basking in new found love. Match and I have it, 7 months now and we're still grinning like idiots. Wishing you the same kind of idiocy!

Anonymous said...

I agree! It seems like the people beside us during extremes (as close beside as we'll let them be, that is), whether good or bad, really seem to prove their place in our lives.

Btw, I tagged you with an award. Love your blog! :)

Unknown said...

Ahhh I loved every word of this post.

almost loved said...

Isn't it great to feel loved, not just by your significant other, but especially by your friends?

It was through the problems that I faced that I learned how well some of my friends know me. I, too, am really happy about having the friends that I have!

Jen Kucsak said...

LOVE THIS POST!
It's so sad but true, you have to experience something terrible like a loved one's passing to discover who your real friends are. When my grandfather passed it turned me away from my bff because she totally didn't care and didn't even come to the funeral (long and awful story). But I completely get where your coming from with this post. Glad things are better this year! :)

Kathryn said...

Just stumbled across your blog and I know after reading this post, I found your blog for a reason. Every word of what you said is exactly what I needed to hear right now. Looking forward to reading more!

Girl in Carolina said...

Love this post!!! Hope you are doing well :)

Hccm said...

2009 will be the best!

Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha

 
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