Firends and Old friends

 I was reading a post in The End Game written by Don Akchin where he said, “The difference between friends and old friends, in my mind, boils down to this: Friends know what you do and what you say; old friends know who you are. They know the Original You, before the trappings of education, marriage, career, successes, disappointments. They still recognize Original You even through hair loss, weight gain, wrinkles, and wear and tear. They see through all that to your essence, and they recognize that it hasn’t changed since you were both children. When you are in the presence of old friends, there are glimmering moments when you feel the presence of that innocent child, Original You, once more. The distinction between friends and old friends is a profound exploration of the evolution of relationships and the enduring essence of one's true self. The essence of this dichotomy lies in the depth of understanding that old friends possess—the ability to see beyond the superficial layers of life and connect with the core of who you are.” 

I want to expand on this theme. In the realm of friendships, friends are acquainted with your current endeavours, the words you speak, and the actions you take in the present. They are witnesses to the story you are actively creating in your life—they know the products of education, marriage, career, successes, and disappointments. These valuable companions on your journey may mostly connect with the external displays of your identity.

On the reverse side, old friends go beyond the boundaries of time and circumstance. Their understanding of you extends to the origins of your existence. They remember the unvarnished version of you, untouched by the complexities that life inevitably introduces. This living connection allows them to recognize the core of your being that remains unchanged despite the passage of years.

Old friends possess an ability to see through the external changes that accompany the journey through life. Whether it's hair loss, weight gain, wrinkles, or the wear and tear of experiences, they perceive these alterations as mere enhancements to the canvas of your life story. Beneath these superficial changes, they see the familiar contours of the person they've known since childhood.

The moments spent with old friends become a portal to your past, offering glimpses of the innocence that once roamed the landscapes of your shared history. In their presence, there's a subtle magic that rekindles your original spirit. They are a reminder of the pure soul that existed before the complexities of adulthood took hold.

In essence, the distinction between friends and old friends lies in the depth of connection and understanding. Old friends are not just witnesses to your life; they are keepers of your truest self, capable of transporting you back to the unspoiled moments of your shared history. The magic of old friendships lies in the ability to transcend time, allowing your essence to persist and shine through, even as the world around you continues to change. If you are lucky enough to have old friends, make sure you keep them close. If you have old friends and have not connected with them for a while, reach out to them. It will be worth it.