OUT-GROWN FRIENDSHIPS

Shannon News, 15 June 1926, Page 4

OUT-GROWN FRIENDSHIPS

(By Marie Stuart, in the “Daily Mail.”)

Death and absence are not the only way of losing friends. We grow away from people, and often this is sadder than going away from them. There are friends who pass and friends who remain. Few come with us all the way. With some we travel to the crossroads, and then, whether the farewell be conscious or unconscious, we turn in different directions. This does not prove disloyalty or failure on either side. We and they are in the grip of different tendencies, circumstances, social and spiritual laws. The currents or destiny bear us east and west. ,

We out-g Tow friendships as we outgrow clothes. Dr. Johnson said: “If a man does not make hew acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself 'left alone. A man, sir, should keep his friendship in constant repair.” If one or two have grown with us, and the years have welded uis, we are blessed indeed we can speak out our heart freely, with whom we can walk in love and simplicity, without dissimulation, we have no ground of quarrel with the world or God.” One such'friend in a lifetime to journey with us all the way—what a treasure beyond compare!! . I think that friendship between man and woman can only last when each brings to it fine qualities of mind and of heart. Friendship, which is a mere cover for flirtation, or an avenue providing a convenient approach to a proposal, is only a pretence. Men do not always want to make love to women. Many a man honestly wants a woman comrade — someone to talk to —someone also, with a more understanding ear, and with more patience than his brother man. And what a luxury it is to be ourselves, quite naturally with just one human being. To be admitted to the friendship of a man or woman of true culture, largeness of vision, and kindliness is theg reatest privilege on earth.