“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today’s IQ goes out to my dear, distant Misfit friends, who helped me out of a pickle yesterday. It is also something for me to reflect upon.

I have friends. I have some close friends. I can, however, go for weeks or months without speaking to them.

I don’t tend to need close, regular contact with my friends to function. I look internally for strength and comfort, and as long as I have time with my wife and kids, and time for myself, I tend to be OK.

With how busy my life has been in recent years, and is currently, I haven’t been making very much time for having or being a friend. This is an odd feeling – part of me feels OK about this, and part of me feels bad about this, like I’m letting them down or something.

This quote hit me in the guts because it really made me realise that I haven’t been a very present friend lately. I miss my mates, so I think I’ll give a few a call and have a beer with them.

Does this quote speak to you in the same way, or are you a person who fills their life with friends? I’m curious.

With love,

Israel. xo