Friends… How many of us have them?

There are some people with groups of friends who operate as a support system that many of us just don’t have.

As I get older, I’m realizing the importance of solid friendships. I can honestly say that I have about six real friends. You know the ones who support you and vice versa, the ones who you talk to on the phone (occasionally or frequently), the ones who you can count on to come celebrate your birthday with you.

One of those real friends I mentioned above planned the most fabulous bridal shower for me recently and so many people flaked. One in particular who told me she would RSVP later told me she didn’t come because she had a hair appointment. Like seriously? This was a once in a lifetime event and hair appointments can be rescheduled. I didn’t fuss about it though. It was at this point where I realized that I wasn’t that important to that many people and I felt kind of crappy at first. But then I was grateful for the few people I do have.

I could list them individually and tell you how awesome they are, but I’ll spare you. Instead I’ll just take this time to thank them for all they’ve done for me. They know who they are and I appreciate them more than they’ll ever know because without them life would stink.

Now let’s talk about why it’s so difficult to make friends as adults. When you’re younger it’s much easier to develop bonds with others for numerous reasons. You may live near them, you have the same classes or play on the same sports team. Becoming friends is like second nature for children. Adults on the other hand… Not so much.

Since I’ve been a “grown up,” I’ve noticed quite a few women who I’d love to hang out with because we seem to have a lot in common but did I make an effort to get to know them? No. I didn’t want to seem creepy.  Inhibitions have cost me much more than I’m aware of, I’m sure.

I believe this is the case for many adults. We’re so busy “doing us” that we don’t take the time to acknowledge others or get to meet new friends. We don’t want to experience the vulnerability associated with opening up to people we barely know. This is why we miss out on valuable experiences. I personally don’t have a “no new friends” mentality and with the new year approaching, I hope to be more open to meeting new people.

What about you? Are you one of those people with an abundance of friends or just a few day ones?

Thanks for reading!