There I was the other afternoon, walking with my friend Gene along the streets of central Philadelphia, both before and after we ate lunch at Black Sheep, a cozy, wood-paneled pub. The skies were massed with clouds pre-lunch, but no rain was falling. After our repast, however, water began to enter the picture.
A few minutes after we left Black Sheep, as a couple of raindrops clunked us on the head, I decided that I’d try to turn the post-lunch segment of our stroll around town into a blog piece. I’d covered Philadelphia from all sorts of angles for the publication that you’re now gazing at, but never from a rainy one. It was a natural! Visions of an impressionistic, watery essay began to float in my head.
The couple of raindrops soon turned into a drizzle. And then the rain’s pace picked up, so that 20 minutes later we were getting noticeably wet. Tough, dauntless guys that we are, though, we smirked at the meteorological conditions, refusing to protect ourselves (Gene didn’t open his umbrella, and I, who was sans umbrella, didn’t raise my coat’s hood). We continued what we’ve always enjoyed doing together: wandering around, casually looking at this and that, and talking about a mishmash of things.
On Chestnut Street we admired the Dolce Carini pizza parlor and Maxamillion’s barber shop, and were about to extend our westward journey along Chestnut when I noticed a bus approaching. It was heading north on 20th Street. “Does that bus go to your neighborhood?” I asked Gene, a Philadelphian. He answered in the affirmative. “Listen,” I then said, “I know that we’re tough and dauntless, but possibly it wouldn’t be a bad idea if you climbed aboard.” He did.
My gloves were waterlogged by this time and my hair had become a soggy mess. Yet, I persevered. Strolling around, I snapped a few more pictures with my iPhone and dodged a few puddles. But when my phone’s battery conked out a minute later, I said the following to myself: “F*ck it, this f*cking story will have to wait for another rainy day.” Nicely drenched, I pulled the hood over my head and strode to Suburban Station, from which I caught a train back to the sleepy town in the burbs that I call home.
If you’ve made it this far with me, I’ll now test your patience by changing the subject almost entirely. That’s because, later that night, I decided that a story about friends, not one built around a rainy day, should have been my aim from the start. I came to that conclusion when I realized that the afternoon in Philadelphia with Gene had been my fifth social engagement in December. For me, that’s a lot. Those get-togethers quietly had pushed friendship to the front of my mind. And friendship, as we know, is an important topic, one that — my bad! — I’ve barely if ever written about before. But, let me add, some of my photographic efforts from rainy Philadelphia adorn this story nonetheless. I’m a believer in waste not!
Friends, pals, chums, amigos . . . Whatever term you employ, they are valuable assets, ones to appreciate and cultivate. Gene and I had had a fine time together earlier in the day, as always has been the case in the 10 years that we’ve known each other. I’m fortunate to have him as a friend. And fortunate because there is a medium-size bunch of others, both female and male, with whom I get along swimmingly and meet on a pretty regular basis, sometimes with my wife Sandy, sometimes by myself. And fortunate because of the several more individuals that I see only very occasionally, due to the thousands of miles separating us, but with whom I’m oh so tight.
It wasn’t always this way. A social butterfly in elementary school, friendships somehow became harder and harder for me to maintain and establish when I hit the age of 12 or so. And high school? Fuhgeddaboudit. I had about 100 times more pimples than good friends during the four years I spent in high school, an institution that I detested.
Fortunately, my friendship situation took a nice upswing while in college, and stayed almost at that level over the next 40 years. I wasn’t awash in friends, but I was doing okay. And during the last 12 years, an era that last year saw me enter the Holy Shit, Am I Really This Old? septuagenarian club, much to my amazement several new friends have come my way. Not exactly a miracle, but pretty damn close to one.
I’m not someone from whose mouth pearls of wisdom flow like a mountain stream. But occasionally I’m able to offer up good advice or insights. Here then is what I’ll say about friends: “You can’t have too many of them.” They help make our lives better, those folks we are on similar wavelengths with, can rely on, and whom we also respect. In fact, having plenty of friends — true friends — is a crucial key to a fulfilling, well-balanced life. (And yes, relatives absolutely can be true friends. But, for the purposes of this article, I’m sticking to the non-relative variety.)
“Hey,” I hear one or two smartasses say, “all of that is a big DUH. It’s obvious!”
And so it is. Still, I for one never really began thinking about the importance of friendships until fairly recent years. I wish that someone had taken me aside decades ago, when I was in my early 20s, say, and laid out the friendship gospel for me. Maybe I’d have paid attention. Maybe I’d have made an effort to learn how to make friends more easily and to add even a few more of them to my little world. More is better.
I’ve heard Baby Boomers, of which I of course am one, say that making new friends at their age is kind of difficult. But I tend to think that this is true for millions upon millions at any age. Hell, life’s a challenge, and forging good friendships is part of the challenge. It takes effort. It takes discipline. And it decidedly might take big strokes of luck. When the mission is accomplished though, the payoff is sweet. Friends, along with some other key ingredients (strong family ties; open-mindedness; a charitable heart), are where it’s at.
(As I always say, please don’t be shy about adding your comments or about sharing this essay.)
(If you click on any photo, a larger image will open in a separate window.)
Yeah, Another Blogger 
The importance of friendships can never be overstated. That sense of connection reminds us we’re not alone.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Exactly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said! 🙂
I have four good friends – three I’ve known for many years, the fourth has been a lovely, unexpected, recent surprise.
I am not very gregarious and have never been much of a partier, but my friends are extremely important, like family, really.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. Good friends definitely can be like family. It’s great to have friends that are on that level.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now, you make me think. It is the end of another year, a traditional time for reappraisal, reassessment and forward planning – what will we change (or like to change – we are not always successful so let’s not be too positive!) for the New Year. Re friendships: I have something of a Teflon quality about my personality – are you familiar with Teflon, that non-stick coating on cooking pots and pans? I have passed through life being friendly with people, with the people with whom I have worked and those I have met in various groups where i was involved. However, they moved on or I moved on and that was the end of it. Relationships with family, cousins etc, is similar: distance does not make my heart grow fonder, simply forgetful and disinterested. With passing years I am less and less inclined to get involved in social occasions. Mind you, I get on very well with myself and am perfectly comfortable in my own company.
I have enjoyed reading your article and think it is wonderful that you have such good friendships. It obviously adds to your life as I imagine you add to the lives of your friends. On the other hand, I don’t recommend getting wet in the rain!
Many thanks for your blogs over the past while and I look forward to many more – and a Happy New Year to you and yours.
P. S. You might add “A chairde” to your title greetings, if you wished.
Slán agus beannacht, Athbhlian faoi shéan ‘s faoi mhaise dhuitse ‘s dod’ theaghlach uilig. Go mbeirimid beo ag an am seo arís!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Paddy, many thanks for expanding the conversation. It sounds as if you are very happy within your own skin, and ultimately that’s what counts. I return the Happy New Year wishes to you and your family. See ya —
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have always had a difficult time connecting with people. As you said, making friends can be hard at any age. I can make acquaintances pretty quick but I’m wary of getting to close to new people. However, I realize now that I have kids that it’s important to have a few close friends to lean on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right, close friends can be invaluable. Many thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year to you and your family.
LikeLike
Happy New Year to you too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great essay, Neil. I agree that “more is better,” but only as long as they’re true. I’m a loner by choice and only have a few “true” friends, but they tolerate my warts, and I theirs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A few true friends are all that’s needed! Have a great day and a happy new year, Pete. Be seeing you —
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful article ! I agree that it is important to have friends l appreciate all of my friends and acquaintances.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Joyce, you have many more friends than most people. Very admirable!
LikeLike
Hello Neil, Great essay. And with the magic of the internet I am so glad to have you as a friend. Have a great day. Jerry
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re pals, even though we’ve never met in person. Here’s to an excellent 2019 for you and yours.
LikeLike
Great post 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, and many thanks.
LikeLike
So true Neil and like you I have had a fair few social engagements with old friends this month which have been a joy. When you’re having a bit of a tough time, like I was earlier this year, like the old saying goes, you find out who your true friends are. Mine were not found wanting and have been a great help – As for those who weren’t, might reappraise the effort I put into maintaining them as part of the circle, but difficult for some people to know what to say and do when times are tough so will cut them some slack. A lovely essay as ever Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alyson, I thank you for being a loyal reader. I appreciate that. I’ve probably wished you a happy new year already, but I’m doing it again. Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep – Happy New Year when it comes to you too Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You bet! Wonderful post, and I like the way your piece progressed from walking in the rain with a friend to thoughts about friendship in general. And amen open-mindedness and a charitable heart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Laurie. I wasn’t sure how smoothly I made the transition within the story, so I’m glad to hear that you thought it went well. Bye till next time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, very, very well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m one of them too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! But I wish we weren’t 3,000 miles apart.
LikeLike
As always, an excellent and thought provoking essay, Neil — thank you. I’ve found that the friendships I’ve formed later in life are deeper and more satisfying — I’m not dedicated to my career anymore, so I’m better at it, honestly.
The rain this season has been astonishing. I spent four hours and more than six miles of walking at Arlington National Cemetery for wreath laying day in a downpour that ended with nine inches of rain and the Potomac reaching flood levels. I’ve never been so wet outside of a bath or swimming situation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked my essay, C C. Thanks for keeping up with my output. As for rain: I can’t remember a rainier year than 2018, here in southeast Pennsylvania. It’s pouring again today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here, too, just a few hours southwest of you — the birdbath is overflowing
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad to count you and Sandy as friends…even though sometimes you’re “all wet” as your blog acknowledges. See, as a friend you put up with my jokes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Debra, you and Stan are among my pals. And as for your jokes, I like ’em!
LikeLike
Neil, walking in the streets of Philadelphia, is something I’ve thought of doing a number of times in the past. Since, I live only about a hour drive away here in Reading, I’ve sorta wanted to capture the back streets of Philly, but somewhat fear doing this. Philadelphia is not really the City of Brotherly Love once you get into some bad area’s. South Street is one place that I may get too. This is where some of our Rock & Roll artists of the 60’s came from. I have been to Independence Park 3 times so far. Philadelphia has much to offer. I’ll get there.
As far as making new friends, I pretty much stay to myself. Not very outgoing. However, if someone new to me strikes up a conversation with me, I will always talk with him/her. I do enjoy making new friends. Never know what you might learn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey there, Les. Much of Philly is worth exploring on foot. You might enjoy the Northern Liberties and Fishtown sections. Here’s another suggestion: Take a long walk northward on Kelly Drive, starting near the so-called Boathouse Row. Kelly Drive borders the Schuylkill River. That long stretch along the river is one of the most beautiful parts of the city. Thanks for dropping by my website. Much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know where Kelly Drive is and the Boathouse Row. Just never stopped to take it all in. The Schyukill Expressway is a very bad road. I hate to travel it!
LikeLike
Maybe you can take a bus or train into Philadelphia. That would take away the stress of driving.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too expensive. driving is much cheaper.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the reminder about friendships. It’s one of my New Year’s resolutions this year–to step out from behind the computer screen and get out and meet new friends. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a good resolution, one that I’m going to try and keep too. Have a great rest of the week. Happy New Year to you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m fortunate to have many good friends , and they’ve come from different times in my life. It’s important to nurture relationships to keep them alive.
That’s the simple truth of maintaining friendships.
Wishing you a great few last days of 2018.
e
LikeLiked by 1 person
“It’s important to nurture relationships to keep them alive.
That’s the simple truth of maintaining friendships.”
Absolutely true. You are totally right on the money about that.
A very happy new year to you and yours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We don’t get together with friends as much as we used to when the kids were young. Some friends are busy traveling, some taking care of grandkids or elderly parents and some, like me, are pursuing lifelong dreams of writing or painting. But we keep in touch via social media. Happy New Years!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi there, JT. Many thanks for adding your thoughts. A variety of perspectives on this subject have been added by you and other readers. I like that. Take care. Bye till next time —
LikeLike
This friendship-themed post comes with a lot of good vibes Neil.
Unfortunately, along with some of your other readers like Alyson, Mahvish, Paddy and Les my experience of friendships has been more mixed. To this extent I’ve come to somewhat reluctantly believe over the years in two adages –
(1) Friends come and go but enemies last a lifetime
(2) Keep a watch on your enemies but keep a closer watch on your friends.
Despite the slightly mafia-sounding ring to these old sayings, there’s no disguising a cynical (or is it just adult realism) viewpoint at the heart of both. To be brutally honest, without even really trying the a great many adults I come into contact begin to grate on the nerves after anything more than a short time in their company. Sad but true (for me) And of the others, if a person who I’m compatible with on a friendship level isn’t prepared to put in at least something approaching a similar amount of effort to keep that friendship going, then whamo, unfortunately up in smoke goes another glorious ‘what might have been’.
I’ve heard that in order to thrive the one ingredient all friendships need is FORCED, REGULAR CONTACT. Like back in Primary school! Remember those days? Back then friendships for all of us were based on innocent choices centred on the laws of personality attraction? These days work and family occupy the bulk of my time which is not to say I’m not on the lookout for personality types who I think could become friends.
Sorry for what probably comes across as an anti-friendship tone in this comment Neil but I just wanted to put across the idea that, at least in my experience, despite the best of intentions friendships and the desire for friendship don’t always go according to plan. Which is certainly no great truth bomb on originality count I think it’s safe to say.
On a completely unrelated note, if I was to think back over 2018 and try to bring to mind the post of yours that succeded in my view at striking the greatest cord, two little words come pretty fast to mind – paw paw! Yep, THAT was a goddam classic!
Thankyou for providing such wonderful reading throughout the year and may your 2019 be filled with mutally satisfying friendships and the joys of excellent penmanship.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, thanks for the compliments, Glen. They make me feel good! As for what you have to say about friendship, I know that there’s a lot of truth in it. It’s far from easy to establish and maintain friendships, generally-speaking. But I think there’s no denying that good friendships enhance peoples’ lives. Bye till next time. I wish a Happy New Year to you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I found your essay inspiring on two counts, Neil. Firstly, it should get me off my backside when we’re over in Edinburgh to finally do a photo essay of Edinburgh’s South Side; but more importantly, it made me think about friendships.
As someone else said, this time of year is one for reappraisal, and there’s a whole lot of reappraising going on, especially career-wise, right now. But the thing that gets me through the tough times is family, and friends. Tomorrow night I’m going to a gig, and one of the things that I’m really looking forward to about it is that I know four or five other people who are also going. One I count as a good friend from work, others I know through music in various degrees. One I’m in a band with.
For me, it’s good to have concentric circles of friends of varying degrees of closeness, but when the chips are down, you know who your close friends are, because they’re the ones you call, and they’re the ones who return your call.
Here’s to a friend-filled 2019!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Andrew, I can tell from our contacts over the last few years that you’re a good guy and that you have plenty of pals because of that. Good luck with the career reappraising. I think you should buy a sturdy boat and sail around the globe! (or not).
LikeLiked by 2 people
Neil, I might just do that! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m tempted to quote Mark Twain and say “The more I know of people, the more I like dogs.”
However, you have painted a lovely picture of brotherly love from the city famous for such.
Instead, I’ll quote Clarence, the wingless angel in “It’s A Wonderful Life”;
“Remember, George; no man is a failure who has friends.”
Peace and a prosperous New Year to you, Neil.
Paz
LikeLiked by 4 people
Paz, I thank you for stopping by. I like the way you worded your comments — they are good-hearted. All the best to you and yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve pleased and inspired many friends – even if online – with this post. That’s a pretty friendly thing in itself. Cheers, Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Janet. Much appreciated.
LikeLike
Nice read and I’m very envious of the huge amount of comments you have generated. I have always had a nice group of friends but now I’m older I’m feeling the knock on effects of moving around a lot and leaving friends behind. The flip side is that St Anne’s-on-the-Sea is a lovely friendly place. I have a whole lot of acquaintances but friends, that’s another matter.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hey there, Steve. My prediction is that some of your acquaintances in your town will, over time, become your friends. If I haven’t already done so, let me wish a Happy New Year to you and your family. Take care —
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Neil, All the best for the new year to you and your family
LikeLiked by 1 person
Long live our friendships, Neil. Contrary to the opinion expressed above, I can’t get enough of the pearls of wisdom gushing forth from your mouth like a raging river. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I needed this read today. A heartfelt thank you. ❤️🙏.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! And thanks for the kind words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Friendship is a many splendored thing, with many dimensions. And like any relationship it is not fixed. I would be lost without my friends. I like the way you celebrate and acknowledge friendship.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi there. Thanks for adding your thoughts. “I would be lost without my friends” — the same goes for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of your loveliest posts, Neil! Warm wishes to you — and your good friends — for 2019.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great to hear from you, Cindy. I hope that all is well. A very happy new year to you and yours. See ya —
LikeLike
Yes, friends are GOOD, and for me no friends are good-er than old friends, the folks who knew you when you could stay up all night and still make sense the next day. I have a handful of these–college chums–though they are halfway across the country. A year ago, in an unexpected but fortuitous google search of something else, I came across someone I believed to be my best bud from late elementary/junior high years, THE best friend of my childhood/adolescence. It turned out to be her, and though she’s on the west coast now and I’m on the east, it’s been a wonderful year of catching up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right, old friends have stood the test of time. I have a few friends from my youth, and I’m very glad for that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely post. Here’s to friendship. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
To friendship!
LikeLike
My husband’s father told him the only people he could count on for true friends were his parents and his wife (usually). (Before he met me, of course!) 🙂
I think I get what he was saying but still think, ultimately, he was being fairly cynical.
It’s a good way to *protect* yourself, but I do think you miss out on a larger kaleidoscope of the available colors life has to offer.
Thanks for your uplifting thoughts, and happy new year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“It’s a good way to *protect* yourself, but I do think you miss out on a larger kaleidoscope of the available colors life has to offer.”
I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for widening the discussion. A very happy new year to you and your family, Stacey.
LikeLike
We left the U.K. for France and then, twenty years later, for Costa Rica where we have lived for ten years. The friends we made in Europe are still our friends…but are dropping off their perches at too rapid a rate….and we have new friends here, particularly among young people, who really brighten our lives. I never thought we would have friends again with whom to collapse into laughter over silly jokes…but here they are!
Happy New Year to you…and enjoy your friendships.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great that you’ve bonded with younger people. You’re in a good place, in more ways than one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. Friends make life so much better, but making and keeping good friends is work, which is why not everyone is able to have a nice circle of friends. The older I get, the more I value relationships…friendships…over anything material. And although I have made many dear friends in recent years (you’re right about that too: no one is ever too old to make new friends), I find that lifelong friends are especially nice. Those memories are priceless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Ann. Yeah, there’s a lot to be said for friendships that have a long, common history. Those friendships are road-tested!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I fully agree with you Neil. Good frendships are a treasure in our life. I don’t have many but a few good friends who I know I can trust and share whatever I have in my head and heart. I enjoyed your post very much! Isabelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, as always, for keeping up with my output, Isabelle.. A very Happy New Year to you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
HA! I have a friend from college who does the exact same thing with me–we wander the town and talk. It’s the best way to pass a day. The friendships I’ve managed to maintain are almost all college period, a few high school period. I sucked at friend stuff in elementary school. 😦 But that’s okay, because the friends I have now are awesome, and they are worth the upkeep. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, Jean. Wandering around with a friend (or friends) is definitely a great way to spend time. I’d like to do it more than I do. But often when I get together with people it’s at a restaurant, with no wandering involved!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And too much eating and developing of the backache in those awful chairs. Gah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good friends are the best medicine! Happy New Year Neil!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Annika. All the best to you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No one else could turn a rainstorm into opportunity. Not that I will follow your lead but I did enjoy your take on rain in our civilized world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jacqui. I wish a very happy new year to you and yours.
LikeLike
I have a group of friends from college and we still get together about half a dozen or more times a year plus go camping every Memorial Day even though we all live all over the place. It’s great to have friends. Happy New Year, Neil!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very happy new year to you and your family, Pam. Have fun tonight. My wife and I are going out with another couple tonight to see John Oliver. He’s at The Met (the newly-restored theater) in Philadelphia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooooo, that will be wonderful! Have a great time, Neil!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a real good show. And here we all are now in 2019. Time keeps zooming along!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Zoom zoom zoom! 🚗 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi folks.
You should know that Neil and I are friends.
I buy the drinks, and he borrows the money.
But seriously folks —
A friend is someone who helps you move your apartment.
A good friend is someone who helps you move a body.
But seriously folks —
I’m very lucky to have Neil for a friend.
Happy New Year in 2019 to Neil and Sandy,
and to Neil’s fellow travelers in the world of blogging.
– – – Gene
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Gene, and thanks. See you tonight!
LikeLike
“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” . No has said it better than Randy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a good song. Randy is sharp! Happy New Year, CB!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This post is gonna crack the 100 mark for comments (so many of Neil’s posts do!) so we should all keep the thoughts coming on the subject of friendship. Neil, you have lit another wick and we your readers will indeed keep it burning ’till it can flame no more.
For someone who writes such interesting, heartfelt posts, we owe you that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glen, it’s really good of you to say that. I appreciate it a lot. A very Happy New Year to you and your family!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beautiful post, Neil. I wish you the happiest 2019. Your posts are some of my very favorites. I look forward to catching up on them soon. Cheers to the new year. May it be full of friendships, good music, and new adventures. ~ Viv
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gracias, Viv. All the best to you and yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t agree more, Neil! All so well said. Happiest of New Years to you and all your amigos—past, present, & future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, April. I wish you and your family a fulfilling new year!
LikeLike
It’s the big DUH, Neil, but i for one, appreciate being reminded about the things we take for granted most times than not. I enjoyed reading about your stroll with your friend, and although i didn’t have more pimples than friends during high school, i lost contact with every single friend i had at that time, except for one -and that one is thousands upon thousands of miles away.
Thanks for sharing this and reminding us how precious friendship is. and happy new year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jina. Yeah, friends help to improve the way the world goes round. It would be a lesser trip without them. See ya —
LikeLiked by 1 person
My life would be black and white without friends. I’m so fortunate that instead, I live in a vivid, colorful world. Each of my friends adds to my rainbow of love. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully said!
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay friends! I agree with every syllable of this post. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi. Thanks for taking the time to add your thoughts. Much appreciated. Take care —
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your post reminded me of the good people I am fortunate to call friends. How I miss them so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And oh! Happy new year to you. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s to a friend-filled 2019. Thanks for stopping by, Imelda. Happy New Year to you and yours!
LikeLike
Enjoyed your post Neil. Getting out and about making new friends can be exhausting. Especially for someone like me who is introverted. Still It’s worth the effort because as you say friends make life more meaningful. We need people to share the good times and bad times
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello there, Chris. Thanks for stopping by. Like you say, it’s worth the effort to make and keep friends. It doesn’t always work out, but it does often enough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some people need friends, some not.
I know at least one man who don’t have friends, and his life is well balanced.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Victor. I’d say that most people need friends. Life is lonely without them, for most.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course.
Neil, please, correct a mistake in my comment: don’t to doesn’t. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know from reading a few of your essays over the years that your grammer is excellent! See you —
LikeLiked by 1 person
Real friends (and I’m not talking about the BFF variety just any variety where they actually talk to and listen to you) seem hard to come by in an age of social media. Social media is supposed to be for communication but the art of talking in person has definitely dwindled. I was born in the 90’s and I’m saying that 👍 Keep the good friends though, always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey there. Many thanks for adding your thoughts. Yeah, friends are important to have — at any age.
LikeLiked by 1 person