If You Were My Friend

I have been thinking about friendship lately and honestly it is probably because I haven’t felt like I’ve been a very good friend lately.

Friendship is not easy, and as an adult, it is even harder to make and maintain friendships. Kids are never hurting for an opportunity to make friends, between school, church, neighborhood, and extracurricular activities. It does make me a little jealous when I hear one of my nieces talk about how they have four different “best friends” and about 10 other “friends” in the span of about five minutes.

I have maybe three-four close friends and even then I am constantly concerned that I take them for granted or am not a good enough friend when they are in need. Most of them are married, so there is less communication between us, but that is why I want to strive harder to preserve them.

In our culture we tend to prioritize romance over friendships, this is why we have so many “ships” per fandom. But there are a couple of examples that celebrate friendship.

Sleepover- Julie and Hannah

This is an early 2000s classic “Sleepover” movie. Julie and Hannah are hosting the granddaddy of sleepovers in an effort to avoid a major elephant in the room… Hannah is moving. This story takes place on the last day of 8th grade and Julie is allowed three friends over for the party: Hannah (of course), Farrah (the fashionista), and Yancy (the new girl). The girls are challenged by a rival sleepover to participate in a Scavenger hunt.

The movie itself is very cute, and if you haven’t had an opportunity to see it, you really should. But the friendship between Julie and Hannah is what I want to focus on. Hannah knows that she is leaving Julie at a critical time in her life, and Julie still needs a bit of a confidence boost. When the scavenger hunt is proposed Hannah jumps at the opportunity to get Julie out of her comfort zone.

The terms of the challenge are the losers have to sit by the dumpsters, and the winners get to sit at the fountain. “The Lunch Spot…” I love that definition of “popularity” is a spot to eat lunch. But Julie is convinced to take on the challenge, and Hannah now has a chance to push her in the right direction. Julie is forced into situations like getting a date to order her a drink at a bar, redressing a mannequin, stealing a PatrolTech decal, and boosting Steve’s Boxer shorts. Each challenge is a bit more daring than the other, but each gave Hannah a chance to show Julie who she could be.

Everyone needs that friend that will push you to do something a little bit crazy, and be there with you when you go a little too far.

Merlin - Arthur and Merlin

Young Arthur and Merlin are growing into the legends we hear about in fairytales. They may have been fated to bring a balance to Camelot, but their connection goes beyond destiny.

Merlin is a growing warlock that must hide his talents and soon finds out that he is not only a natural with magic but his destiny is to become the greatest sorcerer in the world. Arthur is the “Once and Future King” and he has been taught that no one is to be trusted. But as he grows into his crown he comes to realize that you cannot be king if you are standing alone. Merlin is the one man that Arthur needs by his side.

I think it is important to point out that in this particular scene many are willing to stand and die alongside Arthur, but there is only one that he didn’t give a choice. I honestly think it is because Arthur knew he had Merlin’s loyalty but was going to be sure that he was at his side. It is also worth pointing out that Merlin sits on Arthur’s right, for he is Arthur’s right-hand man, and Arthur’s future queen, Gwenivere, sits on his left.

Merlin has the weight of the magic world on his back and Arthur is shouldering the burden of a kingdom. They may have different social status’ but they treat each other as equals and confident. They will stand next to the other no matter the decision that needs to be made.

New Girl - Jess and Cece

These two are polar opposites. Jess is a teacher and general oddball and Cece is a model general suave lady. They were childhood best friends that were able to stay close as they grew older and moved to California from Oregon.

Their fierce love for each other is something to behold.

Protecting Jess from the haters is something that Cece would be willing die doing. She is happy when she is finally able to trust that the guys are also willing to go to the grave protecting Jess. Encouraging Cece is what Jess is born to do. There is nothing that Cece can’t do and Jess strives to prove that to her at every moment.

These two would be lost without the other, and they are going to be the best Mom and Aunt of each other’s kids, each bringing their special brand of love to the table.

I love TV shows with great friendships because they remind me of what I need to work on in my relationship. God has given me an opportunity to give my unique brand of love, and I need to share it with those that God has brought into my life.

So to my friends, you are loved.
To all my readers, I look forward to our growing relationships.

Until Next Time,
Peace Out Lovers.