“Maybe friendsSHIP can’t begin until someone chooses you. But… that doesn’t mean you don’t get to make a choice too. You can’t do that…unless you know who they are. And they can’t choose you…until they know who you are.” Miyoshi Tomori
This week’s post is a question.
Last week, I attended an exit IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) meeting to discuss transitional options for a client graduating from high school. Despite the death of his mother just before school started, being diagnosed with Autism, and having his “fun” aunt now become his serious parent, he was doing well and on target to graduate. He had exceeded everyone’s expectations, including his own. I was so happy for him. As we wrapped up the meeting, his counselor encouraged him to “choose his friends wisely.” Although I’ve heard this phrase more times than I can count and understand it, I’m just not sure I agree with it. Do you? I”ve never seen someone and said to myself, ” I want them to be my friend.” Do you think we choose our friends? Do our friends choose us? or Do friendSHIPS happen organically?
As I mentally assessed my friend’s list, I reflected on how we initially met and concluded that I didn’t “choose” any of them (and they probably didn’t choose me either). It was through our shared experiences-work, school, volunteering, clubs, and organizations, that our friendSHIP began to form. ALL of my friendsSHIPS happened naturally, we clicked because of our commonalities.
So imma need you to help me understand this. How did you forge your friendSHIPS? Did you see someone and say, “I’m going to make them my friend”? Or did it just happen? Let’s talk SHIP!!!
SHIP TALK: Look at your friendSHIPS and tell me how you met your friends. Have you ever chosen a friend unwisely?
If you’d like to leave a comment, scroll to the bottom of the page.