📺 Watch the full episode here -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3WUiD8HYn8&ab_channel=TheDiaryOfACEO

I think we're all too scared to bother other people. We don't want to appear  needy or hard work. Makes making close friendships difficult.

I heard a great line in a song recently: "You don't make friends, you recognize them".

The more people i meet..... the more i love my dog

Friendship is an illusion. Solitude is the best companion.

We don't call because we don't want to bother people.

Friends are worse than enemies.

I had a friend whom I called and texted at the lowest point in my life. He then said “you always call me and rant when things are bad in your life.” He forgot that I also was there for him when he was ranting. I don’t think we were ever true friends, it was a friendship of convenience. It’s important to know who is NOT your friend and not expect much from them.

My two children are both grown adults now.  23 and 20 years old respectively.  They are both still living at home, but they pretty much live their own lives.  We don't eat together, do activities together etc. anymore.  We used to go skiing, wakeboarding, etc., but they have their own lives now.  Recently I have found myself feeling very "empty", and I realized that a lot of it has to do with the fact that, for the last two decades, my life, and my wife's life, have been revolving predominatly around our children's needs, and now that they don't need us so much anymore, or really don't have much interest in "hanging out" with us, there is a void.  Similar to the "service" issue Simon identifies.  What I have found is, the more I help them with things like car repairs, university, car insurance, etc., I feel more fulfilled.  I had thought that the whole idea was to get them to 18 years of age and set them loose, just like my wife and I did back in the 80s, but times have changed, and it seems harder for kids to make their way.  Anyway, I guess my point is, the whole "empty nest" feeling (even though they still haven't physically left "the nest") is very much in line with the loss of "service".  He's right.  If you can find a way to provide assistance, whether it is to your children, a friend, or a complete stranger, your life becomes more meaningful.  It's like Christmas, remember?  It's better to give than to receive.  As you grow older, nothing could be more true.

So many people are egocentric.
So difficult to interact.

I have one friend. He's my husband. I have had loads of acquaintances, some really good ones, but friendship and I don't get along. Because I am a great listener, very empathetic and am capable of giving good advice and willing to help, I seem to attract only those who need to "unload" their worries and problems.
I have blood relatives, but not "real" family. I have been abandoned. And I'm okay with that.

"Thick thighs save lives." - Simon Sinek

My mother has such a friend as Simon talked about, my dad died 2019 and one of my mom's friends calls my mom every day at around 6 p.m. ever since, every single day just to talk to her for a couple of minutes. And the most amazing thing was one day when she tried to reach my mom a few times and she didn't pick up so her friend called me and asked me to check on my mom because she was not picking up and she started to worry. My mom was fine, but I was sooooo grateful to her friend for caring so much. I am so grateful for this person who is such a good friend to my mom. I also feel that her care and love for my mom are also a care and love for me. I don't feel alone in looking after my mom after my dad passed away.

I had a friend. When I was let go at work, I called him. He said "I'm busy." and didn't bother to call for another 4 months. At that point, I told him "We are no longer friends."

I don’t have friends. During school time I have close friends but at some point I feel like I am being used. I am good when they needed me,if I am not needed they become distant. It kept going for a while then I stop talking to them and I didn’t  make new ones. I always took care people around me but people want to use you. I don’t know anyone sincere.

I am that friend that would call to everyone, but I never get called back... 😢

I'm used to it at my age. Im just doing my deed anyway because I care for all my homies

Friends who are like that - there when you need them, happy for you when you have reason to be happy - who several times got told what great friends they are - often are lonely. They give what they seek. What they hope to get in return. What they hope someone would do for them in return.

I had plenty of friends when I was the one giving and taking on the labor of maintaining the friendships. The moment I stepped back and set boundaries, all of my friends (disappeared).

I spent many years friendless and alone, but painful loneliness turned to strong independence and healthy solitude.

These days, I'd rather be alone or with my wife. It's hard for me to answer the phone unless it's a select few people.

The calling a friend in times of hardship every day is absolutely beautiful. I dont have that level of friendship with any1.

With age, making friends gets more difficult.  I've always made the effort to make & sustain new & older friendships but I find others don't reciprocate. Eventually, I give up as it gets exhausting. Friendships are like plants 🪴 a little bit of water & sunshine 🌞 can help nurture & keep them alive. If not, they die.