Notice I didn't set any boundaries for you here? I wanted the answer to be open to friendships, love relationships, spiritual ones, etc. You did not disappoint. I could collect these and publish them anonymously in one post, and you would be moved to tears. You all are great.
As for me, I'll focus right now on 5 markers of great friendship because I'm in the midst of saying goodbye to one friend and appreciating the way our tight group has rallied around her.
1. A great friendship has boundaries, but allows for the gentle reproach and not-so-subtle nudge from a friend to put on your big girl panties and grow up, take responsibility. Always speaking the truth in genuine love.
2. A great friendship allows you to be yourselves with each other, warts and all, which goes hand-in-hand with accountability and complete discretion. That kind of openness requires trust.
3. A great friendship requires a commitment of regularly spending time together. I know it's difficult with long-distance friendships, but in today's wide wonderful world of the web, there isn't an excuse for abandonment. I'm working on this now with another friend whom I have sadly, inexcusably, neglected. No more.
4. A great friendship fosters laughter, a balm for so many aches, physical and emotional. You rejoice together over the great things in life. Or just the weird things in life!
5. A great, beautiful friendship inspires you to lift each other up, pray for each other and step up to do difficult things for/with each other.
That's what I'm seeing in action. And it is incredible. I am so blessed.
2. Why is it called a "drive-through" if you have to stop? (Real question: What was the last food/drink you purchased at a drive-through?)
McDonald's frappe and yogurt parfait. I must be in the mood for foods that end in "ay." They're so French and everything. "McDon-yay Cuisine." Sounds more clever than it looks. Go ahead, say it aloud, class.
3. As I type this, the Butler Bulldogs are getting ready to play in the NCAA championship game. Every Hoosier is hysterical about this except me. So in honor of the Bulldogs ... what is your favorite breed of dog? (I tried.)
Yorkies because:
1. They fit in compact places.
2. They help your children with homework.
3. But occasionally they "go bad" and pose for the canine equivalent of Play*boy.
4. They are cheap to feed. This cracker lasted her a week.
4. If you had to move to a state besides the one you currently live in, where would you move?
Florida.
5. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
I wish that my parents had been more strict in some areas and less in others. I wish I could have spent more time with my dad, but he worked long hours and was tired when he was home. Now we're making up for that in many ways. I am so grateful for the home life that I had.
6. Who's the funniest person you know?
Jorge the Jabanero. Plus, he's hawt. Seriously, he made me laugh so much in school that I was drawn to him for that besides the fact that he was cute. He has always made me laugh.
7. Did you get enough sleep last night?
Enough? Yes. Peaceful? No. I have a running commentary going on all night long in my head. It is ridiculous.
8. What's the first thing you thought about this morning?
"Brown stuff. Warm. Wake up." (Coffee)
9. Grilled or Fried? --HONESTLY
Oh, you all are so sophisticated in your healthy lifestyles, aren't you? Aren't you?? Most all of you said, "Grilled." I thought I would say fried, but then someone mentioned charcoal flavor, and that turned my little blonde head the other di-rection. I think I might actually prefer grilled. But old-fashioned fried chicken like someone's grandma other than mine used to make? Delicious.
10. Are you afraid of the dark?
No. Occasionally when I'm driving in the dark, I get spooked if I let my imagination run to the "what if someone were hiding in the backseat" scene.
11. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher. Almost made it, too; earned the degree and everything. But I chose another path. No real regrets.
12. If you had one word to describe yourself, what would you choose?
Analytical. Question for you: How would you describe me in one word? Wait! Don't answer that!
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