Fortune Cookie Friday: Close Friends
Ah, today we talk about the importance of relationships. The person closest to you is very important to you. Now, don’t’ go looking over your shoulder at the person sitting right behind you, or glance at the creepy person sitting next to you on the bus. Although, if you make eye contact with that person, smile and say, “Hi.” No, the person closest to you doesn’t have to be within physical reaching distance. They can be across state, across the country, or even on the other side of the world.
They might be your best friend from school, your spouse, a coworker, a neighbor, or even your sibling—yes, some people get along with their siblings. You can also have multiple close relationships, but usually one ranks higher than the rest. If you’re not sure which it is, think about whom you are eager to see most, and can’t wait to tell about your day.
What makes them close? You share experiences with them. You share fun times like parties, and going out to movies together. You share exciting news, like a great grade on a term paper or a promotion at work. You share hard times like dealing with relationship problems, or a death of a loved one. They may be that person with which you share your inner secrets—how you truly feel about something or where you buried a body. OK, maybe not that last one. Kids, you just shouldn’t kill anyone. Don’t even think about it. Now that I’ve covered the morality lesson, let’s move on.
That special someone that has the honor of being close ends up being your confidant. Some would even goes as far as calling them their soul mate. When someone is this close to you, they sometimes know you better than you know yourself.
For me, my closest companion, and soul mate, is my husband. He has been there for me since we started dating. He is fun to talk with and I enjoy his sense of humor, even though the man cannot tell a joke right. He encourages me when I doubt myself, and cautions me when I am getting out of hand. We have been married for twenty years, and we practically know each other’s thoughts, even from a distance. We are sometimes so close, we are almost one entity—yeah, that close.
Your closest person can change during your lifetime. I didn’t meet my husband until college. Before that, the job of closest relationship went to my mom, then to my sister, and then to my two best friends in high school. I still share with all of them, but my hubby gets the brunt of my closeness now.
So what are we supposed to do with this close relationship? Cherish it, of course. This person can pick you up in hard times and celebrate the great times. They can guide you in decisions that you can’t make, because you may be too close to the situation. They have a nice view from the outside, which is always helpful.
They also know what your likes and dislikes are. Because of this, they can be a great source of information, and save you some time in decision-making. My husband knows exactly what kind of movies I like, so if he sees one that I would like, while he is traveling, he suggests it to me. Siskel & Ebert, eat your heart out.
The best part about these close relationships is that you know you are not alone. Somewhere, someone cares about you, and is there for you when you need them. Sit with them in the evening, call them on the phone, or shoot them an email. Whatever you decide let them know that you are grateful for the relationship you share. You are most likely their closest person as well.
