Writing about dating is a passionate thing for me. I dated for a really long time. I did many things wrong. I did other things right, and it didn’t work out. In short, I learned a few things.
I started this blog as a way to connect with people who were struggling like I was, to share stories about what happened to me as well as what worked and what didn’t, and why. I never intended for this to be a place for snark, although I love reading it (thanks Jezebel)! I’ve wanted this blog to be a place for reflection, for understanding, for making changes. Because I know how frustrating it can be to have relationships fail, over and over. To try something different, only for things to remain the same. To fall for someone totally wrong again, and beat yourself up again for having done it. At some point, we all get sick of our own shit.
This is where friends come in.
In writing about dating, I haven’t spent a lot of time on one of the most important relationships we’ll ever have in our lives. Friendship. It is the force that gives our lives continuity, stability, a sense of security. Friends are the people we turn to in crises. Yes, friends can do shitty things from time to time, but your closest friends – those who you know have your back, who are there when you go through a break-up and listen to you bag on all those bad dates – they are always there, waiting to embrace you, to take you in.
Friends help us take our minds off ourselves. They help us get through.
So I wanted to give a shout-out to all my friends, who have been there for me even when I’ve been a shitty friend (not calling, hiding out in times of depression, etc.). They are my rocks. They are also wicked cool—(thanks EB for flying off the side of a cliff with me), funny (thanks C for always providing entertainment), and grounded (you know who you are, my hiking bud).
Anyway, for those of you reading this post, don’t forget to let your friends know how important they are. Because even when you don’t return those phone calls, they would still hold your hair back as you puked your drunk guts up in the toilet at 3am.
Love you guys.
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
Kelly,
I totally agree, close friends are one of our greatest assets. They are there for us when we fall down. They reassure and comfort us.
At times we don’t deserve their loyalty, but we can count on them at times when we need help in our most dire moments.
Good close friends are hard to come by, I’m glad you have several that you are obviously proud of.
Diane—thanks for stopping by! And amen, sister.