Firends and Old friends
I was reading a post in The End Game
written by Don Akchin where he said, “The difference between friends and old
friends, in my mind, boils down to this: Friends know what you do and what you
say; old friends know who you are. They know the Original You, before the trappings
of Education, marriage, career, successes, disappointments. They still
recognize Original You even through hair loss, weight gain, wrinkles, and wear
and tear. They see through all that to your essence, and they recognize that it
hasn’t changed since you were both children. When you are in the presence of
old friends, there are glimmering moments when you feel the presence of that
innocent child, Original You, once more. The distinction between friends and
old friends is a profound exploration of the evolution of Relationships and the
enduring essence of one’s true self. The essence of this dichotomy lies in the
depth of understanding that old friends possess—the ability to see beyond the
superficial layers of life and connect with the core of who you are.”
I want to expand on this theme. In the
realm of friendships, friends are acquainted with your current endeavours, the
words you speak, and the actions you take in the present. They are witnesses to
the story you are actively creating in your life—they know the products of
education, marriage, career, successes, and disappointments. These valuable
companions on your journey may mostly connect with the external displays of
your identity.
On the reverse side, old friends go beyond
the boundaries of time and circumstance. Their understanding of you extends to
the origins of your existence. They remember the unvarnished version of you,
untouched by the complexities that life inevitably introduces. This living
connection allows them to recognize the core of your being that remains
unchanged despite the passage of years.
Old friends possess an ability to see
through the external changes that accompany the journey through life. Whether
it’s hair loss, weight gain, wrinkles, or the wear and tear of experiences,
they perceive these alterations as mere enhancements to the canvas of your life
story. Beneath these superficial changes, they see the familiar contours of the
person they’ve known since childhood.
The moments spent with old friends become a
portal to your past, offering glimpses of the innocence that once roamed the
landscapes of your shared history. In their presence, there’s a subtle magic
that rekindles your original spirit. They are a reminder of the pure soul that
existed before the complexities of adulthood took hold.
In essence, the distinction between friends
and old friends lies in the depth of connection and understanding. Old friends
are not just witnesses to your life; they are keepers of your truest self,
capable of transporting you back to the unspoiled moments of your shared
history. The magic of old friendships lies in the ability to transcend time,
allowing your essence to persist and shine through, even as the world around
you continues to change. If you are lucky enough to have old friends, make sure
you keep them close. If you have old friends and have not connected with them
for a while, reach out to them. It will be worth it.
Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/
