Friend Makin Monday

Come join blog friends over at Friend Makin Monday with guest host Kelli, hosting for Kasey at All That is Good who is on a month long trip out west. Check out her blog to read about her vaca. adventures!

Over the years I've learned a lot about friendship. I've learned that you have many different types of friends for many different reasons. Some friends are lifers, some come and go, some need you, some  you need and when you're really lucky you find a lifer who both needs you, loves you and lets you lean on them when you need someone. I have two such friends. 

The first, Natasha, and I have been friends literally our entire lives. We were raised in the same church and even though we had other close friends and sometimes completely different lives, we also know we're just a phone call away. We can go for months without talking, but we know we are always there for each other when a crisis hits and we have a bond that I don't think I've ever had with another friend. It's rare that you can go for months without talking, but still feel so connected to someone.

My other BFF is Kelly. Kelly and her family moved to our city for a short time and after coming to our church, we became fast friends. You know how you just "click" with some people - well Kelly and I clicked. We are so alike in so many ways, but not so alike that we drive each other crazy. Kelly and her family moved to the other side of the state about 3 1/2 years ago, but try our best to stay close. Again, she's one of those friends that we go months without talking, but when we do  - or better yet, get together for a visit - you can't shut us up. Recently we were able to attend a women's conference together and it was a great time to reconnect. Kelly's one of those friends that I know I can rely on even though she's 5 hours away.
About a year ago, I got a book in the mail from Kelly. It's a great book about friendships about women and it's taught me a lot. One key thing is has taught me is about your friendship baskets. In life, you have 3 baskets: basket 3 is aquantances and can have hundreds, basket 2 is a hand-full of friends you are close to, but not intimate, basket 1 are the friends whom you are closest, tell all of your deep dark secrets to and call in the middle of the night just when you need a friend to cry with. Basket 1 usually only holds 1-3 friends. If you're looking for a good book of how to have healthy friendships, this is a good one!