That is a question I asked myself a few weeks ago. A friend was going through something and I
was there for them but I was frustrated about the whole situation. I planned to take care of a few things that day
and felt guilty for wanting my space because they just needed someone to be
there.
After talking to a couple people about the situation and how
I was feeling guilty for wanting to do what I had planned I came to the realization
that I’m not a bad friend.
However, I’m
not that friend. By that
friend I mean, I’m not the friend you go to for comfort. I’m not a comforter at all. A few years ago one of my friends lost a
parent. I didn’t know what to do so I made
a joke. The friend looked at me and said
“Unkindredred Hart, you aren’t helping any.” Then we laughed and I said “You
know I’m not good at the comforting stuff.”
It’s just not me. When someone
needs some comfort my first thought is to find someone else to comfort them
because I’m not the one.
Even though I’m not a comforting friend, I am a good friend
in other ways.
I am:
- Honest. I give realistic advice (when asked or prompted) even if it hurts.
- Supportive. I support my friends in endeavors ranging from looking for curtains to finding a new job.
- Adventurous. I am almost always (except most Saturdays during the fall because college football is on) for trying something new. However, if it is something I don’t like I won’t do it.
What kind of friend are you?
