Friendship

What is the tell of a true friendship? Is it helping one out when they need it? Is it being there to laugh with you? Is it being able to share the highs and lows of life with? What about deep dark secrets? How about celebrating special events?

 As I sit here and write this at 1am the day after my birthday, I think to myself what is the definition of a true friend vs. friend vs. someone you know. I have to admit this is coming out frustration. I invited a number of people this past Sunday to join me for a happy hour on my birthday. NO ONE SHOWED UP! Only two people called.

 I realize people have lives, families, work, things come up. But a birthday is something special. A time to reflect and celebrate. Even if just one person showed up would have been nice. I wasn’t looking for people to buy me a round or buy dinner. Just hang out.

But does this mean they are less of a friend? My closest friend who knows me better than just about anyone else is Lou. But he lives in St. Louis. But we talked on the phone. Lou has been there for me ever since we were 15. From watching over me when I got shit faced drunk at a party to my marriage to my divorce and everything else. We don’t see each other often. But we talk. All the time. He would have been there if he could.

 I guess I am just hurt that I wasn’t important enough for anyone to even call and say hey, I can’t make it but happy birthday.

Are we that wrapped up in our own little worlds that simple courtesy doesn’t exist anymore? Are things moving that fast that we can’t slow down? Life will go right by you if you don’t slow down and smell the roses.