I had a great dinner last night with two women that I haven’t seen in a year. We hadn’t spoken in that time period, either. Did it matter? No, and that, to me, is the true definition of friendship. They agreed. We discussed it at length.

There may be a few people in my life for whom I present a challenge -primarily due to my love affair with solitude and fierce protection of “creative time.” A handful of my nearest and dearest, however, completely understand my penchant for space, and we raise our glasses high when “we time” manages to present itself.

My fabulous friend, Jan (aka Jamice), in this picture is a prime example. One of my all-time besties, we rarely converse or see each other, and yet we can pick up right where we left off when our paths reconnect. It’s also important to note that each of us would drop what we’re doing to help the other in a heartbeat. That’s a given.

I am extremely blessed to have a number of relationships like this in my life. I believe it’s due to a perfect balance of busy and fulfilling lives mixed with strong mutual respect.

Think about the people in your life. Do any of your friendships feel conditional? Or worse, yet, do you find yourself expecting specific behaviors from your friends and constantly becoming disappointed, because they don’t live up to your standards? I’ll admit to having fallen into the latter a few times – even recently – but when I remind myself that my life is richer by letting go of expectations and embracing individual uniqueness, my frustrations melt into warm affection.

Friendship is a promise

Made in the heart

Unbreakable by distance

Unchangeable by time

Genuine thanks to my handful of soul brothers and sisters who give me my space and occasionally share a bit of their wonderful selves when mutual time allows. You know who you are, and you know that I love you – something we’ve proven that time and/or distance can never alter. xo