Friends were never something I had when I was younger. Being the "outcast" (around here anyway) was always the stigma I had. People knew within a few weeks of us moving in that we were "different" and they had to "get us to see the light" (yes, I've had that phrase thrown at me a few--dozen--times in my life); yet after their attempts at the light thing didn't work, I would be told that their kids could no longer play with me or I was no longer welcome at their home. Probably the reason Z and I are closer than a lot of siblings is because there was no one else to play with. Oh, we had our fights and for years neither one of us wanted to be around the other, but we still hang out and we can tolerate each other now. (There are times that people hear us talking and ask why we're arguing and they get a funny look from Z or I--we're not arguing, that's just how we communicate with each other).
Reason I'm bring this up? Well, I heard a quote the other day while watching a show that made me think. I get asked all the time why I don't have so many friends on Facebook or why I constantly post pictures of just a select few friends. Well, to answer those questions 1)I have to know you in reality before I let you see what I post and 2)I don't like being in photos and the friends that I post about do, so I post those pictures. Yet, on to the quote:
Be Civil to all, social with many, known to few---Benjamin FranklinAnd I've come to the realization that very few know me. Very few have seen me at my darkest moments. Very few have stuck by me when I've been a total b*tch and loved me even though I shouldn't have been.
And to those friends I say
THANK YOU
4 comments:
Well I for one am quite fond of you. This is because you are a real person, and what I mean by that is, you don't ever try to come off as anything other than who you are. I LIKE real people. I wish there were more real people.
Also, I have much respect for someone who walks so closely within the circles of religion that you do and doesn't get tainted by it. A non-Mormon BYU graduate? Really? I'm sure there are some, but you are the only one I know personally.
I like that you tell it how it is and don't pull punches. I like that you're a teacher who doesn't coddle or give in to bratty little shits and their ignorant parents. If there were more teachers like you, there would be fewer self-important and stupid children (and adults)in the world.
I don't know if you consider me as one of your friends. Truthfully, we've only hung out a few times, but I consider you to be one of mine. You are authentic, and I could see that the instant I met you. Of all the people I met in my years in Utah, I consider you one of my favorites.
Thanks Nic. What you've said means a lot. Yep, you're in the category of Friend. =)
Ah, what a wonderful post! And I absolutely hate the narrow-minded view in this state of "if you aren't one of us we don't accept you", which is total crap because it's completely opposite of how I believe it should be. The funny thing is, I usually seek out people who are more unique, the outcasts, etc., because that's how I've been for most of my life too. People accept me at first, usually, then when they get to know me, they fall away because I'm a little too liberal or odd to fit right in. Sigh. I have very few close, close friends. I'm happy that you and me and our hubbies can hang out and be friends. It really is a good part of my life, and I hope yours!
Yay Michelle! Of course. I'm happy too that our husbands get to "fight" and we get to watch and hang out and do all that fun stuff together. That, and we get it.
=)
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