Make new friends but keep the old

I have had some occasion to think on all types of friendships recently and realize the value of them all.

Silver
Recent friendships have sprung up with a couple of colleague at work. I don't know if it’s because I am finally settling in here after 7 years, or if the recent enlargement of our department has brought us "old-timers "together – whatever it is, I do appreciate both of them in my life. We are very different, and have worked together for years without managing to form a bond, but a few months ago, we started doing things outside of work and boiiiiing- friendships formed. The appeal of a new friendship is the same as the appeal of any new relationship - getting new information about people and connecting. The surprising thing I am noticing is finding out how much we have in common. And that gut-laughs can happen with new friends as well as old.

Gold
There is absolutely nothing like a friend who shares old memories, though, whether the memories are 10, 15, 20 or even 30 years old. Old memories, especially if you can get a good gut-laugh out of them, are essential for living life.

Old friends have seen you in many lights and have gone through trials and tribulations with you (as you have with them) and have seen you at your best - and at your worst - and STILL love you. I am incredibly lucky to be blessed with a few old friends who share a wacky sense of humor, a sense of irony about life, a sense of caring, a love of animals (or not) or all of the above.

One of the great things about life is that solid new friends become old friends, so forming friendships throughout your life means that you will always have someone to share memories with.