Surviving the changes....Part III

For the late arrivals, my "Surviving the changes" posts involve things I have learned since becoming a "victim of the economic downturn" in the fall of 2008. We spent some time with friends tonight, and some simple words reminded me of something we all overlook too much. In fact, in the recent rise in popularity of the various social networking sites, I feel it is something we have way undervalued, especially in a time were it could literally "save" you or your family. So what is so important that it could save your family?


Friendship. Honest and true friendship. Not the huge lists of "friends" that you claim to have on your MySpace or FaceBook pages, or all the people whose e-mail addresses or cell phone number you have in your "Contacts". I am talking about TRUE friends...people, that if you called at 3AM, after being out of touch with them for months, or even years, would be on their way out the door to help you in 15 minutes. People that are truly glad for your successes, and feel for you (but offer REAL advice) when things are down. So who, out of "your circle of friends" can you count as a TRUE friend?

Try this little execise..go through your list of Facebook "friends" and count those that you are 100% certain would take a 3AM phone call from you and ask "How can I help/what do you need?" I would guess such would narrow the list to less than ten people, perhaps. Then review THAT list carefully, and check again. I would imagine the average person has 5 or less people (other than a spouse or sibling) that would qualify as a TRUE friend. Think about that...why do some people claim to have dozens of people as friends? Could they count on these friends to help them through some major life change, and provide earnest, heartfelt advice? Probably not.

A real friend will be there for you, to give you a hand-up, not a hand-out, when you need it. They will be the ones to offer caring advice when you need it, and warmth of their presence with bolster your spirit when you feel you simply can't make it on your own. Real friends are important. Have you called, e-mailed, or otherwise communicated with anyone you would consider a TRUE friend this week, if many weeks, months, or even years have passed since you last spoke? Maybe now is the time to reach out.