It was so hard for me to make friends growing up. Believe it or not, it still is. I always felt different from everyone else. Moving to the U.S. from the islands wasn’t easy. I had a thick accent and the only thing I knew about the American culture was what I saw on TV. Now that I’m grown, I’ve outgrown my insecurities. I find it much easier to meet new people. But, it’s still tough to make friends. Let’s face it, not everyone is genuine. You have those who are opportunists. You have those who become conditional or fair-weather friends. I’m talking about the kind of people who are there when things are great. But, the minute you fall on hard times, they bounce. Then you have the fakers. The ones who seem like they’re your friends, but they end up talking about you behind your back. They may even try to rip you off.
These are the kinds of people I’ll have to teach Princess to stay away from. Like Oprah says, “Listen to your inner voice.” If you get the feeling someone isn’t genuine or has bad intentions, chances are you’re absolutely right.
Princess is fortunate to have friends of her own. Here she is with her bestie, Katie.
I love seeing them play together. I know they’re just tots. But, I can already tell that this little girl is a true friend. There are days Princess cries when I drop her off at daycare. Katie would try to soothe her by giving her hugs and holding hands. It’s so cute to watch. But, it makes feel great knowing that she has a buddy who wants to see her happy. As she gets older, I can only hope that she chooses true friends. Clearly, she already has.
Do you teach your kids about true friendship?
Weather Anchor Mama
I think kids learn how to find and maintain friendships through their parents. Looks like your daughter is off to a good start!
This is SO true! Most girls I know have a ton of friends or a best friend from kindergarten or college. I always hung out with guys. Now that I’m married, it’s harder to do that…..
Thanks so much for the nice post you left on my blog! In many ways your job is a tough one. Seeing so much pain and dispare in today’s youth can take its toll. Even with the boys I work with, I don’t know their whole stories, many are so heart breaking.
As for your post here, I agree, IRL (in real life) friendships are tough. I hate how I often come across in real life. I’m only 5 foot tall, and I think my Napoleon complex gets the best of me. When I write out my thoughts online, I am able to filter how I come across, and I believe I do better. We can learn a lot from our kids, can’t we?
Have a magical Monday!
Aww…princess and her bestie are so cute together. Just genuine. My kids don’t have any true friends. They make lots of temporary friends at the park. The kids that are in their class are friendly but I am afraid that their parents are hindering them.
Thanks Raquel. Hopeufully our girls will meet someday’
You are so right! For some reason a lot of girls I know have more guy friends than girls. It does get harder when you’re married. My husband is my best friend.
That’s so hard to imagine Darci. You seem so sweet. I know what you mean though. Sometimes it’s so much easier to write thoughts down. I learn from Princess everyday. She is such a sweet baby. I’m not just saying that because she’s my daughter.
Thanks Blondie! Hope you had a magical one too!
Now you know that I don’t have children, but I just have to say that your daughter and her little BFF look like they’re embarking on the beginning of a great friendship. Friends are hard to make today, I think, because people are so self-absorbed. If you’re not into what they’re into, they don’t seem to be too interested in whatever you might be into that’s different.
It’s funny… when I was in high school, I was one of the most popular girls in the entire school. But then, I LIVED for that title. Today, if you have one or two good friends consider yourself blessed – is the way that I see it. I seem to have more friendships with people online than I do with people in the brick and mortar world. And that doesn’t bother me at all.
Hey Carlo! I’m finding that to be so true. I’ve also been finding more friends on line too. lol Social media is a great thing! You do strike me as a popular. I can tell that you’re so outgoing. I had a tough time in school. But, I eventually did have a few friends.