Everybody longs for friends, but when you collect too many of them, their individual value decreases dramatically. It is like having too many toys…
Lately, I have been besieged on Facebook by people from the four corners of the world who want to be my friends. Particularly single women… The latest one being a very attractive single lady from South Korea.
It is flattering but also perplexing. Why do all these strangers want to buddy up with little ole me? I am not rich, handsome, famous or even single… And you cannot smell my particularly potent pheromones on the internet… So, what gives?
True, I am a world-famous “influencer”… (actually not that famous) but is this enough to make me so appealing? Or do I smell a rat under this avalanche of requests?
I have always valued quality over quantity, and having too much of anything has always made me uneasy. A little is good, a little more is pleasant, but too much is embarrassing. I far prefer to have 2 or 3 besties rather than 20 or 30 casual hangers-on.
“A good friend is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.” Irish proverb
And then, some people seek my benevolent friendship without giving me a single detail about their own lives. It is not kosher. It does not work that way. My life philosophy has always been “show me yours and I will show you mine.” Before I give you my virtually blessing, I want to know if you are clean, if you don’t have ulterior motives or if you have not been infected by some dangerous political disorder.
It is difficult (but not impossible) to be friend with somebody who does not share your political convictions. Soon or later we are going to clash. And I don’t care for extremists, conspiracy nuts or cult followers of any shape or color.
So, how do I decide who is going to be a “friend”? I first want to see a picture and a little background of the candidate. Then, what kind of affinity does this person have with me? If he/she speak French, I understand… it is a plus. If this person plays pétanque, that’s another plus. If he/she does not care for an incompetent, self-centered, petty so-called leader, this is another big bonus point.
On the other hand, if somebody admires my writing skills or any other craft that I may possess (?), this might also sway me. Because yes, like Achilles, I have a chink in my armor… Under my imperial demeanor, I am vain. Stroke me and I will lick your hand and wag my tail.
To sum it up, if you want the pleasure of my company, show me reasonable reasons why I should accept your proposition and welcome you in my select inner circle.
Alain
“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.” – Bernard Meltzer