once-in-a-lifetime-kindred-spirit kind of friends

Friends. <insert sigh>

Moving away and making friends has been challenging, atleast more challenging than I initally thought before moving out here.  I've never really had a problem making friends.  Although I'm shy, you meet one person, who introduces you to another, etc.....or you meet and make friends at work, etc....but moving somewhere totally new and having neither of those two outlets, has been hard. 

I guess I was somewhat naive and just more of the "glass is half-full-it'll-just-happen-eventually" type of people, but I have yet to find that person(s) here that is that "once-in-a-lifetime-kindred-spirit" friend here.  I was so blessed to have several of those people when I lived in Utah.   I actually think that a few of the friendships that have developed here actually have potential to reach that status, but alas, they just take time to develop and I'm ancy!

I definitely keep in touch with all of those people, but for me, there is something about being able to see people regularly in person.  I just need that.

Don't get me wrong...I think it's really hard to find those "once-in-a-lifetime-kindred-spirit" friends anywhere.  It just is and that's why it rarely happens. I also believe that part of it is just a "it takes time" and I've definitely started to feel more "at home" here and people that I've had repeated interactions with have developed into friendships.

I've really put myself out there, and tried to meet a bunch of people, many, many different ways, moreso than I have ever done in my life.  It really sucks to be making friends at the age of 34. It's not as easy as when you were making friends in elementary school.  It's been a real challenge for me as I'm typically a very shy person initially.  However, I knew it had to happen because I'm not meant to be a loner.  I like people!

One really odd thing yet it has been almost surreal to experience, as I have met new people this past year in Michigan, it's almost like the new people's personality and mannerisms (and sometimes looks) are actually eerily similar to those of friends back in Utah! 

I didn't mean for that to get all off track, just reflective of the past year and what I've faced moving to a new place.

So, as I was back in Salt Lake a couple weeks ago for Roger's funeral, I managed to squeeze in some time to see my awesome, dear friends, Sande and Layle. I met them many, many years ago.  They are definitely those type of people that are there for me no matter what.  We can be out of touch for awhile, but they literally drop everything to help me out, or be there for me.  Love them dearly! I actually have many friends that fall in this category, but don't have any pictures together! And because I write posts based on pictures in the post, that's why I'm focusing on Sande and Layle on this one!

They've both become hard-core, serious runners.  They looked fabulous and were so inspiring!  We met at Mimi's Cafe on a Saturday morning and suddenly, three hours passed after we had started breakfast without us realizing it! 

Comments

[AllisonK]

What a beautiful post about two truly amazing people!
Your hair is LONG!!!!
I was sad to have missed this breakfast.

[Laurel C.]

I REALLY related to this post, Jessi! I'm married to an Air Force officer, so we move every 3 years. I make friends slowly, so moving frequently is a bad plan. And you're right... making friends at age 34 (or in my case, 40) is tough. I really miss having a BFF, kindred spirit, true friend, whatever we call them.

I guess as long as I don't start talking to myself, I'm doing okay! :)

[Melissa]

YAY for great friends! Your hair looks so long! Miss you!