They call me asocial and I know I really am. But I define myself as more of a selectively social person. Yes I also do have friends I treasure and take pride of. regardless I am in touch with them or not but they do occupying a space in the deepest part of my heart.

It is natural that as human beings, we become so busy with our jobs, family, household chores, daily activities that we often neglect one of the most important aspects of life; friendships, the relationships that develop over time that hold a very special place in our heart. Friends are almost like the family members that we choose to allow and keep in our lives. From our first childhood friend to those lifelong friends we have known for decades; friends are treasures that can bring so much positivity into our lives but yet we often become too busy and neglect these important people. I am so very guilty of this as well!

Someone said “In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. They keep the young out of mischief; they comfort and aid the old in their weakness, and they incite those in the prime of life to noble deeds.” I did not quite understand this until I started meeting individuals who kept, not so healthy friends in their lives and suddenly, as a younger thirty’sh guy, I learned to understand that the friends I keep in my life reflect who I am and desire to be as a person and after all these years, I have learned to choose my friends wisely over the years. I always believed that I don’t need a 1000 friends to be happy and not lonely, I just need a few who can see beneath my skin and still choose to be my friend.

Good friends can be and will be your backbone. When everything is going down, and when you feel life sucks, your friends only can turn the table for you. Whether they will show up personally, or not, If you are going through a rough patch in life, they are there to listen, give you advice and try to get you out of that slump. True friends do not make excuses, do not flake on you and do not bring you down.

I am a true introvert. I love people, but only in small doses. When someone invites me to a party, I cringe on the inside because I know I will have to be around a lot of people, which gives me anxiety and discomform. However, my friends definitely push me out of my comfort zone and get me into social gatherings. Life is so much better socializing with friends and getting out to experience new things.

Lets talk about science. after some google research I found out that, older people with friends are more likely to live a healthier happier life than those who do not have many close friends. Older people without close friends are more likely to develop chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression than their counterparts. Although family members are usually the caretakers to the elderly, they often do so out of obligation whereas lifelong friends provide endless joy with no strings attached. so if you are reaching 40s, its the time to consider scientific facts and work on it accordingly.

Today is February 9th, 2019 and just a few days to go before Valentine’s day and I am taking a vow to reunite with all my friends I always ran when I had no place to run to. Lets strengthen weakened friendships and develop connections. We are living on borrowed time and we will not be remembered for what we did in life but rather whom we touched throughout our journey in life.

Cheers!