Adult friendships

[Laurie Henderson]

I have found that the older I get, the more selective I have become in my friends. In the past 5 years, although I have made many acquaintances, I have made only one true friend. And we both discuss the fact that it's so difficult to make friends, given the challenges of child rearing, careers, etc., etc., etc. I also have found that there's no sense in wasting time or energy in getting to know people that are toxic. I am usually very good at identifying "those kind" right off the bat, and, I have no qualms in keeping my distance. I am a very private person that prefers friendships that are mutually satisfying. Therefore, I can easily list my true friends - there are less than five. Of them, two are from elementary school, one is my "new" friend, one is a former co-worker. The amazing thing is that we all share the same theory -- whether we talk every day or once a month, we pick up the friendship where it left off, and, the friendships are emotionally beneficial to all.