Friends - AKA Cluedo

You don't always get to chose your friends. In fact, I have found that quite often I don't get the choice. They just stuck and suddenly it's years later and you're introducing them to others with " This is my friend..." while wondering "How in the world did that happen?"

My friends have taught me a lot more about dealing with others than even those who are supposed to know the "way". Lessons include: Laugh at Yourself 101 followed by Yes, You are Allowed to be an Idiot 102 and Don't Be Down Yourself Up 103. They have taught me that no, I am not the most important person in the world, that there are things more important than stuff, I am not the only friend in the world and that others are affected by their actions, just as much, in some cases even more than I am. They have also taught me to accept people warts and all - after all - not everyone has had the same experiences as I have benefited, prioritise not just tasks, but holistic time. They have also taught me to love my family as they are, not what I expect them to be.

My friends have shown me grace, ignored my faults, told me to get a grip, told me to pull myself together, laughed at my stupidity, made me act stupidly, accepted me for who I am and let them know when I am peeving them off and to change my ways unless I wanted a head smacking. They have broadened my horizons, laughed with me, cried with me, bitched with me, embarrassed me, let me embarrass them and experienced life with me. They have yelled at me, grounded me, laughed at me and given their time for me. They have also been willing (?) participants in consuming my gastronomical experiments, of which I have not killed any of them yet.

My friends are like "Cluedo" - Who did what, where, when and with whom?

Thank you to all my friends for whatever you have done for me. (Just ask what it is if you don't already know your influence.)