Can you count your true friends on one hand?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:56:31 -0500

A long time ago, a wise man said to me, don't try to be friends with everyone...but try to make a few really good friends.

Something we have all experienced is making and losing friends over a lifetime, but much more common in a setting where you are always moving. I have made some awesome friends over my 18+ years and will continue making friends...but it is sad how so many people come in and out of your life, only to never be heard from again. So, the wise man's word still ring in my ear. I have made some really good friends and YES, he was right. You can count your true friends on one hand. Do you agree, after continuation reading my post? Is this the same for you. My military career has caused me to give up my childhood friends, but I have picked up some that will forever remain near and dear to my heart. I hope you have too. What I enjoy so much about my military family (yes, that includes all of you) is when I am out and about; I am extra courteous to folks with military stickers on their vehicle; I help WWII and VN vets in any way I can; I always thank a veteran for their service. Even more than that, if I get into a conversation with a veteran stranger, it's like meeting an old friend, even if they are much older or younger than myself. I am not without friends, now I have millions, and I feel a sense of fulfillment, I haven't felt before. Thank you for welcoming me into your family. Ranger On. With that said: Do push-ups until I get tired!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 7:58 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:58:21 -0500

Honestly, no, I cannot. I spend most of my time these days with my wife or by myself. There have been way too many times in my life that people only choose to call when they want something, just to not hear from them again for months and/or years. It takes a lot anymore for me to consider someone a true friend and right now the only one who gets such recognition is my wife, she has been here through thick and thin for 9 years and refuses to quit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 10:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 22:38:49 -0500

Indeed it's many who think they know you but don't really understand you, I have friends that I would give my right arm for darn near, but they probably wouldn't even do the same, but some of the people who have been the truest friend and even more family then my own family are those that I met in the military, and I am glad to have met this people, and will continue to meet more good friends

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 10:39 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 22:39:28 -0500

I can count on one hand how many people who would really run to my direction if times were tough....and I like it that way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2014 1:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 01:49:16 -0500

True friends I have to say zero unless you count family. I've had too many people I thought were friends let me down when in need, and I'm not talking about big issues. People that aren't there for minor issues will not be there when you really need help. Family on the other hand have been there consistently.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Sep 1 at 2015 7:19 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 19:19:10 -0400

Yes, i can and have a couple fingers left over.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 1 at 2015 7:42 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 19:42:00 -0400

I have lots of acquaintances but almost no friends. All but about 3 of my friends have died. That tends to happen to us as we get older.

Response by MSgt Niclas Svensson made Sep 1 at 2015 8:01 PM

MSgt Niclas Svensson — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 20:01:30 -0400

I consider myself easy to get along with, so consequently, I have many acquaintances, but the number of people I would count as true friends... yes, I can count on one hand...and have fingers left over.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 8:04 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 20:04:43 -0400

Yes, I can go a month or a year not speaking to them, when we do talk it's like no time has passed between us.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 8:38 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 20:38:26 -0400

Yes I can. I can say besides my wife, closest and best friend, I have only had a couple of truly close friends that I stay in contact with regardless of where I currently am in the world.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 9:45 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 21:45:43 -0400

Yes, I keep a small circle.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Sep 1 at 2015 10:04 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 22:04:48 -0400

Yep, pretty much.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 10:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 22:15:34 -0400

I do not have friends. I do not like the term, it is to generic. I have work colleagues, acquaintances, mentors, subordinates, peers, and the few I call family (not blood). The few I have added to my family, are people who no matter how much time has gone by, when we meet up it is like no time has passed. The type you would help bury a body no questions asked.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 2 at 2015 12:25 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 00:25:32 -0400

SSG Michael LoGiudice, 'Ranger Up' for friends becomes more difficult when most of those select friends have passed on. The few remaining are 'bonkers', or otherwise functionally disabled.

Response by SFC John Birks made Sep 2 at 2015 9:06 PM

SFC John Birks — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 21:06:43 -0400

It's funny that you bring this up. My father used to always tell me when I was younger "that in your lifetime you'll only have or know only a few friends (that you could count on one hand). Everyone else are just acquaintances." Years later I have found out that he was right. A friend is someone who (as an example), will drop everything at a moments notice and help you move out of a house. That person will receive a call from you at 22:00 hours and drive over an hour to get you from the airport because you missed your flight. So far in my lifetime I've only known 2..

Response by SPC Mark Beard made Sep 3 at 2015 6:49 PM

SPC Mark Beard — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 18:49:07 -0400

I treat all as friends and brothers and sisters ect int ill by their actions they prove other wise

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 3 at 2015 6:50 PM

SPC David S. — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 18:50:26 -0400

Yes - A close friend can be someone you don’t see often but for various reasons you have a high regard for. It’s someone you cherish, think of fondly, and no matter what you do or where you are in your life, you’d drop everything and be there at their side if they needed you and they'd do the same.