Is that what friends are for?

It's early in the morning. My mind has been racing all night. I need to write. 


The concept of having a best friend is something of a foreign concept to me. Throughout my life, I've had good friends, I've had girlfriends, but never really a best friend. Sure, there is one guy who I've known for a long time, somebody who I'll usually hang out with if he is around, but would I consider us best friends? Probably not. We barely talk if we aren't together.


That fact hasn't changed. However, I've been forced to observe a friendship recently that has made me question if I ever actually want a best friend. 


Let me pose a question. Does a best friend have carte blanche on the other person? What I mean by that is simple. Is a best friend supposed to control the other friends life? It would make sense that they would expect to spend the most time with each other. They are the best friends, they should spend the most time together. But does a best friend have a right to get upset when the other spends time with other people? 


The answer to that is even simpler than the question. No. When that starts happening, the best friends have turned lovers (minus the sex, in most cases). That shouldn't be the case. That should NEVER be the case. The best friend is more than welcome to give advice about the people, to question why they are friends, but they have no right to make the other person feel like crap to have other friends. 


Here's the deal. Friendship (like anything else in this world) is a two-way street. There has to be some give-and-take involved. Friendships die when one person tries to take control. When it stops being fun. They have those great memories from past days, before things got complicated. Sometimes, those memories can make a friendship last a few extra months, possibly more. 


This leads to one or both being very unsatisfied. I beg people to take a look back at their own friendships. If you see this happening, stop it now. If it happening with the other person, TALK to them. If they are really your best friend, they will listen and they will attempt to understand. Somebody who won't listen, who can't handle even the smallest bit of criticism from their best friend, is not a best friend. Plain and simple. 


This is not directed at any one person. If you are arrogant enough to think I am writing specifically about you, too bad. I see this happening around me all the time and it is always difficult to watch. 


Do I want a best friend? 


P.S. Happy Spring Fling to everyone at Hartford. Wish I could be there too. 


Random Compliment:
Michelle- You know you are a good person when the worst thing somebody can say about you is that you are too nice. I pray that you are able to get out from where you are right now, because you can do some great things in this world. Don't get pigeon-holed. Follow your dreams and don't let anything (or anyone) get in the way of them. You will be happy one day, I promise. 


R.I.P Kyle