on meeting old acquaintances
it's interesting how even though people change, they stay exactly the same...
last night i was in my kitchen. i introduced myself to the girl standing next to me... but before she could tell me her name i recognized her... she lived in the same apartment complex as i did. way back in 2000. used to come over a lot. i think she had a thing for my roommate.
that's right, thinks i, she was a swing dancer. but i don't think we danced together much.
she didn't know who i was at first, but figured it out after a second. i wondered why i wasn't so memorable? maybe i've changed that much?
we caught up on old times, chatted about our mutual friends. who's married now, who's having kids... (i.e. everyone). kind of a surreal experience.
and we danced. it was good. she was a little rusty... hadn't gone dancing in a couple of years. but she's good anyway.
and then she left. one of those awkward goodbyes. the kind where i'm not sure if it'll be another six years before i see her again.
so today then i've been thinking. those kids were my friends. i spent a ton of time with all of them. and of that whole group of friends, i've only kept in contact with rex and brandon and steve. and haven't even done a good job of that.
why do i make friends and then never talk to them? is it better to have a small group of really good friends that i keep in contact with? because it seems that i've done just the opposite. i have a lot of friends, but they're scattered all over. and how many of them do i even talk to?
or is it better to focus my energy on the people around me right now, until they move on... or i do.
Comments
I've frequently thought on this issue and it is an important aspect of our lives here on the earth. I try to keep in contact with the friends I have made, but whether by their part or mine we almost always drift apart with time. I personally think that we should continue to make as many friendships as we can, strengthening each new one as it comes, but that in the end we must just enjoy and take advantage of the time we have together now- one never knows exactly what will happen and when one will be separated from the friends he holds dear, but he can certainly make the most of the time he has with them.
Friends who are there year in and year out are rare, and to be treasured. Those who come for a season or so are many, and are also precious, for often-times we appreciate that which is transient specifically because it does not last. And, when all is said and done, we can always look forward to the hope of one day being reuinited with all those we love and have cared for, never to be separated again- for all eternity.
Wierd that I happened to come to your page and read this blog. I've been having the same thoughts. I think its best to focus on the friends you have right around you. The ones that live far away - if they are truly your friends - will keep in touch with you. Atleast thats how its worked for me. I think I have two friends that I've kept over the past 6 years that no matter where I go we stay friends. The rest come and go. Maybe I'm just getting jaded . . .
Hey...I never forgot ya!!! =)
Very interesting thoughts. I've had many of the same.
It's nearly impossible to truly keep in touch with everyone. Especially in the dance scene. You just meet so many people!
It's hard though. Sometimes you feel almost lonely... I know so many people.. yet sometimes, I find myself drawing a blank when needing a friend to call.
I think it's important to be attentive to who you're around when you're around them.. but it's always nice to hang on to those few close friends, no matter where they go.
Hope you're doing well!
if you ever feel like that, you can call me...
yeah, i'm doing alright. i'll be doing even better once i rescue my poor scooter.
I wonder the same thing sometimes. *HUG*
wow, that sums up what i've been wondering about for the past six months. sometimes i alternate between contaacting loads of people far away and only paying close attention to those around me. i can't decide if one is better or not. one thing i know is that it was really good to see you the when i was in utah. i'm happy to talk to you whenever, no matter how long its been.
ps let me know if you decide anything further on the subject