I was inspired to write Dear Friend letters after listening to a desperately frustrated friend vent about her “bad friends.” Her words, not mine. As I listened compassionately, certain words she used and instances she described reminded me of when I had feelings about my friends that identically twinned her feelings for her friends. My desperately frustrated friend that I am speaking of is years younger than my 38 years, so I find myself routinely offering perspectives that she is probably too inexperienced to understand, still I can’t help but to offer my wisdom as a service.
What I know she doesn’t understand is that pride is what puts a wide gap between the relationships that appeared Gorilla Glue tight. Time passes and the relationship has become so stretched out of shape that you begin to feel like the friendship doesn’t fit into your life anymore. What I wish I would have done was void those hurtful and hateful feelings and express the one thing I wanted to truly say: “Let’s hang out this weekend. My treat!” From that, I would have discovered if there was something to be done to save a friendship that still had so much life to live.
Now, I am able to express myself freely. I am unashamed about having to be the “bigger person” who pours all of her feelings on the table. I want you to know how I feel so that you can properly love me. That is what I do.
As a tribute to friendships, I created the Dear Friend letters for my readers to share with their friends if the words are fitting. Some of the letters are simply for entertainment, but most are designed for you to say to your loved one what your heart is truly thinking.
Shannon Shanà on Thursday 