Single And The Power Of Friends

By Kenneth Stepp

Single… It’s a status, a lifestyle, a state we find ourselves in, and even a badge of courage. Friends make life livable when something bad happens. I’ve been there for my friends when there were in tears or distress. And they have been there for me. A symbiotic relationship, laced with love. Having friends, real ones, is so important. I have my friends, or acquaintances. Then I have my small circle, my tribe. My circle has five people in it. Our circle is a no judgement zone. We love one another, always have one another’s back, and actually care when we ask, “how are you”?

“Don’t walk in front of me… I may not follow

Don’t walk behind me… I may not lead

Walk beside me… just be my friend”

― Albert Camus

Today, in my world, I just went through a breakup, my worst. Not something I would want to face alone. Every day my tribe contacts me, meets with me, prays for me, and if I need someone to talk with. They listen to me. When I was young and things weren’t as deep as they are today. I was a loner. Nothing hurt for long. I chose a life that brought me a lot of physical pain, broken bones, and scars. Yet nothing got me down. With age suppose to come wisdom. I believe a certain amount has arrived with more to come. One piece of wisdom is that life alone is tougher than a life surrounded by people who love you and care about you. I now know why so many animals live inside their pack.

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”

― Elbert Hubbard

My tribe consists of both genders, a range of political and religious beliefs, and very different outlooks on life. But they have heart. They are loving and fierce when one of us are hurting. In a nutshell. They are present when there is a need inside our circle. I know for me. I am usually pretty happy and stable. At the moment my heart is bleeding and I’m emotionally exposed. But I know to them, I can just be me. Shipwrecked on a rock at sea. We’ve all been there. Or we will be there. If you are single in this day and age. Pain, confusion, and loneliness will come. It’s part of the journey. Today I am writing about myself. I’m not so special that I hide what is going on from my readers. They expect authenticity and I will always give it. Plus. I know my story best. So it’s easier to make my point that way…

“When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable.” ― Jess C. Scott

Real friends, the kind in my circle, love. We are all flawed, make mistakes on a daily basis, and tend to jump into romantic relationships too fast and too easy. I’ve noticed this comes with a big heart. We will see the best in someone and believe until proven wrong. And wrong happens a lot. But we dust one another off, spend time with one another, and remain a force in one another’s life. I want to find my soul mate. Her, my Her. The one I am suppose to be with, if that is really a thing… This journey would be near impossible without my tribe. I have friends since I was a teen, and some I’ve known less than a year. I believe our hearts recognize each other. I can think of how I met some. I knew at that moment. Love is an amazing thing. It blends hearts in a way that we cannot. Are friends forever? My heart says yes…

“What is a true friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.” (edited)

― Aristotle

1 Comment

  1. Beautifully stated. Ken the one word I would use to describe you if I had to do that would be authentic.

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