you loved me anyway

“And I felt closer to you. Because you knew me so much better than I'd realized - and still loved me.” 


that is a great quote from Rosamund Lupton. we all find ourselves, at some point, surprised to discover how well our friends know us. we think we do such a good job at hiding our truest selves from everyone. but true friends pay attention. they begin to recognize tell signs. signs that show them when we are sad or hurt or in pain. happiness is easily recognizable. that is a face we do not mind showing the world. but betrayal,  embarrassment. failures, sadness. loss, pain; those are often hard to spot. we tend keep to those events, feelings and emotions to ourselves. we seem to fear the repercussions of showing the world anything other than success, confidence and happiness. but life is a balance. without the sad, how can we appreciate happiness; without betrayal, how can we appreciate loyalty; without failure how can we appreciate success. 

so it is with friendship. it is special when we show a friend who we truly are or we discover they know who we truly are. that is when our friendship is truly tested. now that they know the truth about us, what will they do? some people may walk away from us. they may not like who we are or they may not feel we are no longer compatible or they may feel threatened. there are many reasons why people walk away from friendships. when that happens we must search ourselves. if we were the fault, we must work on ourselves. if it was the result of circumstances beyond our power, accept that and then let it go. sometimes friendships end because their season is over. rejoice for what was and cherish the memories.

but the best that can happen is a friend discover who you truly are and then love you because of ... in spite of ... anyway. that is a friendship that will stand the test of time. that is an anam cara friendship. whether you have one anam cara friend or ten. those friendships are rare. those friendships we appreciate. those friendships are a sheltering tree. they are protection from the harsh elements of the world and they give you a place to rest. 

so when the world has dealt you a blow or you have been less than you are or you have suffered at the hands of life, seek out the friends who love you. they will be your sheltering tree. rest in the shade of their love and comfort. lean on them for support knowing you are safe and cared for. When you are are ready to return to the world, you will be able to venture out easily for you will know you have a sheltering tree you can return to  ... you have a friend.