What Does That Mean For Me? – Photograph by Nathan Anderson/Unsplash
What Does That Mean For Me? – There are many types of friendships spanning from platonic to romantic, but there is one thing that they all have in common.
”A friend loveth at all times.” —Proverbs 17:17
What Does That Mean For Me?
What does it mean to love you? What does that mean for me?
You know I’d do anything for you…but what does that mean for me?
Even when you make me angry; even when you make me cry;
I know you never really mean to hurt me…but what does that mean for me?
Thoughts of you consume me, even when you are not there.
No matter the distance between us; you know I’ll always care.
Nothing can separate us because our lives have already crossed…
You are a part of me forever…but what does that mean for me?
Felecia R. Weber 2019, www.OntheWingofaDove.com
What does that mean for me? – It’s a strange question that can be asked of many things. In this context, I’d like to speak about relationships, specifically friendships.
There are many types of friendships spanning from platonic to romantic, but there is one thing that they all have in common. All relationships require each party to give of themselves to the other. I love how this concept is so beautifully illustrated in the interaction between the fox and the little prince in Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince:
(The fox speaking to the little prince):
”’Please-tame me!’ he said.
‘What must I do to tame you?’ asked the little prince.
’You must be very patient,’ replied the fox. ‘First you will sit down at a little distance from me-like that- in the grass. I shall look at you out of the corner of my eye, and you will say nothing. Words are the source of misunderstandings. But you will sit a little closer to me, every day…’”
What does that mean for me? I believe to be a friend to someone, one must become familiar with that person…their strengths, their vulnerabilities, their habits…everything about them. This is done mostly by quiet observation, remember, actions speak louder than words. Throughout this process, one must also give of themselves, by sharing the same with the other person. It sounds like an arduous task, that is hardly worth the effort…but there is more…
(Again, the fox speaking to the little prince):
”You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.”
Once a friendship is cultivated, it can never be undone really; if it is a true friendship.
Merriam-Webster defines a friend as “one attached to another by affection or esteem.” Being attached or associated with someone for any length of time does create a history between the two. And that time cannot be erased, neither the good nor the bad. The bond of a true friendship is a powerful thing which can and will withstand anything…
(More wise words from the fox to the little prince):
”One runs the risk of weeping a little, if one lets oneself be tamed…”
Just as challenges arise in our individual lives, obstacles threaten to undo friendships. Emotions tend to play a huge part in this aspect of a relationship…because true friends affect our hearts. And it is within our hearts that our true selves reside…
(Again, the fox speaking to the little prince):
“But if you come at just any time, I shall never know at what hour my heart is to be ready to greet you.”
Being attached to another, a true friend becomes a part of ourselves. Our door is always open to them, and we greet them with open arms. There is no distance, (spatially or emotionally), that is out of reach for the bond that seals the hearts of true friends.
Friendship…what does it mean for you?
Peace and love,
Felecia
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