Deanna BeaverAt different intervals in our lives, we have various friends. We have childhood friends, family friends, school friends, sorority friends, work friends, church friends, neighbor friends, parent friends from our children’s sports, and writing friends from various conferences or critique groups. Oh, and let’s not forget our Social Media friends. They might be some of the most valuable friends in the publishing world for writers.
I’m a gregarious person by nature. I enjoy being around people and seeking out new friends wherever I go. This behavior is not typical of stereotyped writers— many of whom are introverts. Don’t get me wrong; I like my alone time, where I can get lost in my thoughts. However, give me a live person, and I’ll put my pen down.
Sadly, I have lost a couple of close friends in the past six months. Becky was the real deal-no pretense. We talked, laughed, and prayed for each other’s families. She made me feel like I was the only person in the room. I always hated to say goodbye after one of our visits. My friend, Marcia, was an everyday friend. She answered the phone to talk about trivial things. She was the spur of the moment – “Let’s go to lunch,” friend. I never thought twice about asking her to do something for me. I know she felt the same way. I wonder if I make other people feel that way. I want to think so. I am so sad to have lost these two genuine friends.
I have friends from all walks of life. What makes someone a friend? I remember hearing that you need to be a friend to have a friend. I have taught my children to reach out to others and cultivate friendships. There comes a time when friends do not reciprocate and reach out to you. You must discern if this friendship is important enough for you to be the initiator.
Can friends have different interests? Can I be friends with people of other faiths? What is a friend? Merriam -Webster defines a friend as a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another person. Google says, “A friend is one attracted to another by affection or esteem.”
There are so many people I feel privileged to call friends. If you have ever been a friend of mine, you will remain a friend. “Ointment and perfume delight the heart,and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.” Proverbs 27:9 (NKJV)
I wrote a poem about sweet and sticky friends. Which one are you?
SWEET and STICKY FRIENDS
What makes a friend sweet and sticky?
It takes a lot to become a sweet and sticky friend.
Sweet friends appear friendly and pleasant, and even funny.
Sweet friends display faith and honesty.
Sweet friends help others and consider your feelings.
Sweet friends encourage and tell the truth.
Sweet friends patiently accept who you are.
Sticky friends exhibit sweetness and more.
Sticky friends are always there —in good times or bad times.
Sticky friends help you solve problems.
Sticky friends protect you.
Sticky friends stay around even when you don’t want them to.
Sticky friends know when you need a hug or alone time.
Sticky friends show interest in you and your happiness.
Who are your SWEET and STICKY FRIENDS?
I love this! I hope I’m a sweet and sticky friend! 🙂
Eva,you’ve been sticking around for quite sometime!I am thankful for you.
So proud of my talented friend, Deanna Beaver! I wish I could see you more often. This is such a fun blog.
Nancy, we are just going to make plans to do that! I do know you’re only a call away.
Deanna, I love this post. Like you, I adore meeting friends and believe them to be among God’s greatest gifts. What a wonderful poem!
Jeannie,I concur.I’m thankful for your friendship.
We fall into a few friend categories but my favorite is being co-grandmas. I couldn’t have picked a better partner!
I agree, Tricia! We are definitely a dynamic team!
Loving your blog, sweet friend!
Thank you,Winky. I hope to catch up with you in the future.
I love this, Deanna! I’m so glad to call friend! ❤️
Martha,ditto to you!Thanks for all of our support in my writing journey.
Martha,thank you for your support.
Friendship is such a big part of our lives and we can struggle and/or thrive from these friendships. Friendships hold many different meanings throughout our journey that it is so difficult to assign it one meaning. I read once that “friends are here for a season, a reason, or a lifetime” and I truly believe that. Not all friends need to be the lifetime friends and that ok. Enjoy the season and the reason friends too! I always take a little something from everyone I meet…..but it took me a long time to realize this 🙂
That is so wise, Megan. I concur. Every friend has a purpose in your life.
Yes to all of this!
Megan, I thought I replied earlier. I concur with your thinking of friendship. I love your quote,”Friends are here for a season, a reason, or a lifetime.” Life has a way of teaching us these lessons.
Love your blog Deanna! I consider myself your friend also.
I’m glad to hear that.Hope to see you around soon.
Yay! I certainly hope so!
Love this! I’m a blend of sweet and sticky. You know!
You’re pure syrup!
You are such a talented writer, Deanna! I’m blessed to call you friend. Thank you for inspiring me to be a good friend to all. Love ya! ❤️
Sarah,thank you for the kind words! I miss collaborating and visiting with you.
My favorite friendship is the kind that withstands time and space. The kind that no matter how long it’s been, you just pick right back up where you left off. Love your blog ❤️
Meredith, I concur. It reminds me ofa verse from a song,”Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.”
This was perfect for my day!!
Robin, I’m glad.You are a great encourager to me.
I am SO glad we re-met after all those years! It has been a blast growing our friendship in the last several years that began back in college! You’re the real deal, too, my friend! A true, sweet & sticky friend that I treasure!!
Thank you,Julie. You are definitely an inspirational friend that keeps me going!
Deanna, I am so excited for you! I look forward to reading your blog! You are very talented!
Sherry, thank you. I Look forward to interacting with you on the blog as well.
You are definitely a sweet and sticky friend…. I love that phrase! Thanks for being a tried and true friend in my life AND career! Love you to pieces Deanna!
Thanks Nancy! You are definitely in my book of friends! Let the adventures continue!