Wisdom? Geez, I hope not...

I had dinner with some friends last night. Actually, they were more in my sister's wheelhouse more than mine, but I remember them well, and we had lots of acquaintances in common. It was a great evening spent in the company of several very delightful people who I had not seen in a looong time. I was comfortable right away.



I watched my friends interact with each other, and it was really cool. It was a group of people that grew up in very diverse backgrounds, but somehow were able to put aside their differences and became close friends. Now, some 30 years later, thru a lot of trying and some very strange times, the friendship has not only survived, but seems to have flourished. They talked and laughed and told stories all night. I, of course, added what I could, when I could, and I think we all had a great time.


It really gives me hope.



Sometime during the evening, the concept of getting to know a person before forming a lasting opinion was brought up. Such a simple, yet often overlooked little piece of advice. I gotta tell you, there have been many people in my life that I was pretty unsure of at first glance. Fortunately for me, I was able to get past that and get to know the person behind that first impression. Some of those people are best friends now.



I'm getting older, and, hopefully a lot wiser. If I've learned anything, it's that first impressions are lasting impressions, but don't have to be the ONLY impression. Give people a chance, be honest with your feelings and genuine with your intentions, and people may just surprise you. You really can't afford to tick off anybody nowadays. You never know when you might need a ride home...



Love each other.