Friends

I have tons of friends. People sometimes wonder how I've managed to acquire so many friends. Well it was after junior high school that I decided to not be a loner and put myself out there. For the most part, I have succeeded.

I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I have some of the best friends in the world. When I'm down, people call me or text me. When my brother died, I had countless phone calls, friends just hold me while I cried, and many wonderful and thoughtful gifts. When I'm stressed, I can talk to any of my friends and they will listen to me vent and still be there after I'm done. Some of these friends have known me for almost all of my life. Others only a few years and still others are getting to know me. I needed to write this to say how much I love and appreciate all of you.

I have a problem. I'm sarcastic. Sometimes it gets me into trouble. It's a huge safety mechanism for me. When I'm feeling inferior or upset, I am far more sarcastic. But I'm also very sarcastic when I'm feeling really happy. It's an interesting phenomenon to be on both sides of the spectrum.

I have to apologize for being a jerk. I apologize to you guys for taking advantage of your generosity when I feel like total crap. I'm sorry for snapping when your arms were outstreched. You don't deserve that.

If I'm actually hurting you, please tell me. As much as I'd like to be, I'm not a mind reader. Sometimes I get carried away and need to be prompted to redirect my sarcasm. I need the feedback to improve myself.

My dear friends, thank you SO much for being with me through thick and thin. I know that I've pushed many of you away. It's hard for me to open up emotionally when I'm feeling really terrible. I thank you for trying to pry me open, make me feel worth your time, and love me for me.

I honestly cannot say thank you enough. There is nothing like having a good friend by you on a hard day. Sometimes you don't even have to talk, just sitting with a friend can be enough.

I miss my friends and especially my family. As I moved up to Murray, I realized I need to rely more on my social support because I am in an unfamiliar place. I get to see my family every week. I always don't want to leave after a Sunday visit with the best family I could have asked for. They are so understanding and loving. I am eternally grateful to them and for them.

Don't hesitate to call me up, text me or email me. I love to help wherever I can. I hope to be the kind of friends and family that you have been to me. Thank you all so much.

Love,

Steven Bristow